Nursing interventions with music: an integrative literature review

Abstract

Objective: To characterize the use of music in nursing interventions and analyze scientific evidence about its use. Method: integrative review from 2001 to 2011, held in databases SCOPUS, MEDLIN, LILACS, BDENf and PsycINFO databases using the descriptors: music, music therapy and nursing. Results: The final sample consisted of 50 studies, and the results show that China, the USA and Brazil were the countries with the highest number of jobs. The song has been used by nurses to reduce anxiety and stress, promote wellness, facilitate interaction and bonding, improve sleep quality, and reduce aggressive behaviors and rates of depression. Most musical interventions occurred in hospitals, mainly related to exams, surgeries and other invasive procedures. Conclusion: these evidences point to the importance of using music by nurses caring, respecting the limits of performance and disciplinary boundaries.