Sümeyye ESERER, Gizem KUBAT BAKIR, Sevcan KARATAŞ
Journal of Health Sciences and Medicine - 2026;9(3):812-822
Aims: This study aimed to investigate the effects of nature sound-based music listening on pain and physiological parameters in surgical intensive care unit (ICU) patients. Methods: This randomized controlled trial with a pretest-posttest design was conducted in the ICUs of a state hospital in İstanbul between March and May 2024 with 108 patients who met the inclusion criteria. Patients were randomly assigned to the intervention (n=54) and control (n=54) groups using a lottery-based randomization method with sealed opaque envelopes. The envelopes were prepared by an independent healthcare staff member not involved in the study and were opened after baseline assessments to ensure allocation concealment. The intervention group listened to nature sound-based music via disposable headphones for 30 minutes, while the control group received routine care. Outcome measurements were conducted 15 minutes after the intervention. Data were collected using the Patient Information Form, Numeric Pain Rating Scale, and Physiological Parameters Assessment Form. Results: According to the pre-test results, there was no statistically significant difference in pain scores between the intervention and control groups (p=0.639). However, systolic blood pressure was significantly higher in the intervention group (p<0.05), indicating a potential imbalance and confounding factor, while no significant differences were found in other physiological parameters. Post-test results showed significant improvements in the intervention group in terms of pain score, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen saturation (p<0.05). In contrast, in the control group, pain scores, systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate increased, while oxygen saturation decreased (p<0.05). Conclusion: Nature sound-based music listening is an effective non-pharmacological intervention for reducing pain and improving physiological parameters in intensive care patients. Despite baseline differences in systolic blood pressure, the intervention showed consistent beneficial effects. From a clinical perspective, integrating nature sound-based music listening into routine nursing care may enhance patient comfort, support physiological stabilization, and contribute to holistic, patient-centered care in intensive care settings.
