Music Therapy for Oral Mucositis Pain in Pediatric Patients

Effect of Music Therapy on Oral Mucositis Pain in Pediatric Patients

This mixed-methods pilot study will examine the effect of music therapy on oral mucositis pain in pediatric oncology patients. Oral mucositis, characterized by painful ulcerative lesions in the mouth, is a common side effect of high-dose chemotherapy and hematopoietic stem cell or bone marrow transplantation. Despite its high prevalence and impact on quality of life, effective pain management strategies for pediatric oral mucositis remain limited and often rely heavily on medications that may cause significant side effects or provide insufficient relief. Music therapy may offer a promising non-pharmacologic adjunct for reducing pain, yet no studies to date have specifically evaluated its use for oral mucositis pain in pediatric patients.

Phase 1:

Aim 1a: Explore the experiences of oral mucositis pain in pediatric patients.

Aim 1b: Explore how pediatric patients perceive the involvement of music therapy during oral mucositis pain.

Phase 1 of the study involves semi-structured interviews with parent-child dyads about the child's experiences with oral mucositis and their perceptions of music therapy while experiencing oral mucositis pain. Information obtained in Phase 1 will direct the development and design of the Interventional Phase (Phase 2) not yet enrolling.

Inclusion Criteria:

Phase 1

• Child ages 6-18 years old
• Child has received music therapy and experienced oral mucositis
• Parent/guardian 18 years and older
• Able to communicate in English

Exclusion Criteria:

Phase 1

• Diagnosis of a developmental disorder that would prevent engagement in the active music-making or passive music-listening intervention or completion of study measures.
• Significant pre-existing hearing loss or impairment that would interfere with participation in the interventions.