Date of Doctor of Nursing Practice Project Completion
Spring 2025
Faculty Advisor
Dr. Karla Abela
Abstract
Background
Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a chronic, inherited blood disorder characterized by severe pain episodes that are often poorly managed with standard pharmacological treatments. In response to patient dissatisfaction with pain control and the desire for holistic alternatives, this quality improvement project explored music therapy as a non-pharmacological pain management strategy.
Purpose
The primary aim was to reduce chronic pain by at least 20% and improve patient satisfaction with pain management among adults with SCD using a structured musical intervention.
Methodology
This project was implemented at a comprehensive outpatient SCD clinic using the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) model. Five adult patients participated in a nine-week intervention involving 30-minute, genre-based music playlists three times weekly. Pain levels and satisfaction were measured using the Numeric Rating Scale and brief surveys. Data analysis included weekly pain averages, ANOVA, and thematic review of qualitative feedback.
Results
Participants reported a 47.5% average reduction in pain, exceeding the project’s goal. R&B music was associated with the most consistent pain relief. Patients expressed high satisfaction and interest in continuing music therapy. Some limitations included declining engagement and small sample size, which affected data completeness.
Implications
This project supports music therapy as a feasible, affordable, and culturally relevant strategy to complement existing SCD pain management. With improved engagement strategies and larger-scale implementation, music therapy could enhance holistic care and reduce disparities in pain treatment for underserved populations. Future research should explore the long-term effectiveness of music therapy in larger, more diverse samples and investigate how personalization of music selection may optimize outcomes.
Keywords
Sickle Cell Disease (SCD), chronic pain, pain management, non-pharmacological intervention, patient satisfaction, Quality Improvement (QI)
Recommended Citation
Fredeline Metellus, "Using Musical Interventions as a Non-Pharmacological Strategy to Improve Chronic Pain Levels and Satisfaction Among Patients with Sickle Cell Disease" (2025). Doctor of Nursing Practice Final Project Abstract. 117.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/dnp_abstract/117
Included in
Alternative and Complementary Medicine Commons, Nursing Commons, Pain Management Commons