Turning Down the Volume on ICU Agitation – One Note at a Time! 🎶
At Salem Hospital’s Magnet-designated ICU, we're conducting an evidence-based quality improvement project to help reduce patient agitation—and we’re doing it with the power of music!
What’s the goal?
By implementing therapeutic music listening (guided by the American Music Therapy Association's (AMTA) guidelines), we aim to lower agitation levels, improve patient outcomes, and reduce ICU length of stay (LOS).
How do we measure success?
Using the Richmond Agitation-Sedation Scale (RASS), we assess agitation before and after music intervention—all documented seamlessly in the electronic health record (EHR).
Why music?
Research shows music calms the nervous system, reduces stress hormones, and enhances healing—a perfect harmony for ICU care!
Why it matters?
Less agitation ➡️ Less delirium ➡️ Shorter ICU stays ➡️ Better patient outcomes!
So, let’s press play and let the healing begin!
Patient & Family Information
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At Salem Hospital, we’re using music as a therapeutic tool to help reduce agitation and promote relaxation for ICU patients. Research shows that listening to calming music can support healing, lower stress, and improve overall well-being. Here is an informational brochure available for ICU patients and families.
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