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The effect of sounds on acute pain management in critically ill patients: a systematic review

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Summary:Introduction: Pain is a frequent and complex experience among critically ill patients during hospitalization. Non-pharmacological approaches, such as therapeutic sounds, have gained attention as complementary strategies for pain control. Objective: To analyze the effect of sounds on acute pain management in critically ill patients, supporting evidence-based autonomous nursing interventions. Methods: A systematic review was conducted following the Joanna Briggs Institute methodology and reported according to PRISMA guidelines. Searches were performed in MEDLINE Ultimate, CINAHL Complete, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane. Primary studies involving critically ill adults, sound-based interventions, and pain-related outcomes were considered. Study selection was performed independently in Rayyan®, and risk of bias was assessed using JBI critical appraisal tools. Results: Thirteen studies met the inclusion criteria. Findings suggest that therapeutic sounds, including music, natural sounds, and controlled absence of sound, can reduce perceived pain in critically ill patients. Interventions applied before, during, or after painful procedures were associated with positive outcomes (pain reduction). Sounds may be used alone or with pharmacological treatments and should be adapted to each patient’s needs. Conclusion: Personalized sound therapy is an effective strategy for pain management and should be integrated into critical care nursing practices. Further research is required to determine the specific efficacy of different sound types and to standardize documentation in line with the International Council of Nurses (ICN) terminology.
Main Authors:Lopes, Carla
Other Authors:Pereira, Rui; Durão, Maria Cândida; Pinto, Maria do Rosário; Henriques, Helga; Teixeira, Joana
Subject:Life and Healthcare Sciences
Year:2026
Country:Portugal
Document type:article
Access type:open access
Associated institution:Instituto Politécnico de Viseu
Language:English
Origin:Millenium

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