Introduction:
Pain management and compliance with care are two of the main concerns in burn care, particularly with pediatric patients. While physical sensation is a significant aspect of pain, the mental and emotional components play significant roles in the perception of pain as well. One of the most painful and traumatic events during burn treatment is debridement and dressing changes. Non-pharmacological methods of pain control, such as music therapy, can have profound effects on the perception of pain.

As defined by the American Music Therapy Association, music therapy is the “clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to accomplish individualized goals within a therapeutic relationship by a credentialed professional who has completed an approved music therapy program.” Music therapy provides individualized, outcomedriven interventions targeted toward non-musical goals—in burn care, it can increase compliance in medical care; decrease pain, stress, and anxiety surrounding dressing changes; provide opportunities for emotional expression and coping; and improve compliance during physical and occupational therapies. This presentation will delineate how the interdisciplinary burn team at an ABA verified Burn Center has implemented music therapy in pediatric burn care.

Methods:
Music therapy provides procedural support during dressing changes by means of singing, instrument playing, music-assisted relaxation, songwriting, and music listening. Given that music therapy is live and adaptable, each session looks different and is tailored to the specific needs of each patient. The music therapist is involved in every step of the dressing change, from debridement, to topical application and wrapping, and redirects the patient away from pain and anxiety. This can be accomplished by singing the patient’s favorite song, playing instruments, guiding the patient through deep breathing exercises and guided imagery, and/or songwriting.

Conclusions:
By utilizing music therapy to divert the patient’s attention away from the dressing change and engage them in a preferred activity, patients show fewer signs of behavioral distress (crying, screaming, etc.) and greater compliance with their medical care. Infants often fall asleep by the end of the dressing change. Medical staff also report that patients’ exhibit better compliance with dressing changes and that they themselves feel less stress as providers when music therapy is involved.

By incorporating music therapy into the interdisciplinary burn care team, patients may be better able to tolerate procedures with less stress, anxiety, and pain.