A slow-tempo music intervention did not reduce delirium duration, severity, pain, or anxiety in mechanically ventilated older adults in the ICU.

Question Among critically ill, mechanically ventilated older adults in the intensive care unit, does a music-listening intervention reduce delirium, pain, or anxiety?

Findings In this randomized clinical trial of 158 mechanically ventilated older adults, a twice-daily music intervention delivered via noise-canceling headphones and tablets for up to 7 days did not demonstrate a statistically significant decrease in delirium duration, delirium severity, pain, or anxiety.

Meaning A music-listening intervention did not improve delirium, pain, or anxiety among critically ill older adults.