Jeppesen, E., Pedersen, C.M., Larsen, K.R., Rehl, A., Bartholdy, K., Walsted, E.S., & Backer, V. (2016). Music does not alter anxiety in patients with suspected lung cancer undergoing bronchoscopy: A randomised controlled trial. European Clinical Respiratory Journal, 3, 33472.

To measure the effect of a music intervention on anxiety related to bronchoscopy

Patients undergoing bronchoscopy were randomly assigned to listen to music via earbuds during the procedures or use earplugs with no sound. On admission to the hospital, patients completed a study questionnaire, and blood cortisol samples were obtained. On admission to the operating area, baseline vital signs were taken, and actigraph sensors were applied to the patients' wrists, ankles, head, and hips. After 10 minutes, study measures were obtained again. About 60 minutes after bronchoscopy, the study measures were repeated.

• N = 135   
• MEAN AGE = 63.7 years (SD = 11.6 years)
• MALES: 51.7%, FEMALES: 48.3%
• CURRENT TREATMENT: Other

• SITE: Single site   
• SETTING TYPE: Inpatient    
• LOCATION: Denmark

PHASE OF CARE: Diagnostic

Single-blind, randomized, controlled trial

• State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) 
• Vital signs

Prior to bronchoscopy, the music group had lower STAI scores. After the bronchoscopy, anxiety was lower in both groups, with no difference between groups. No differences in duration of the procedure, sedatives, or amount of patient movement during the procedure were reported.

Music was not shown to reduce anxiety associated with bronchoscopy.

• Risk of bias (no blinding)
• Measurement validity/reliability questionable
• Subject withdrawals ≥ 10%

Music during bronchoscopy was not shown to affect patients' level of anxiety. Measurement of anxiety immediately prior to or during a procedure to perform this type of research is difficult and questionable.