The Use of Music therapy in the care of neonates in the Intensive Care Unit: Integrative Review

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DOI:

https://doi.org/10.21727/rpu.v17i1.5106

Abstract

The use of non-pharmacological strategies has gained prominence in the healthcare context, especially in intensive care, for helping reduce negative feelings, relieving pain, and stabilizing patients' vital signs. Among these strategies, Shantala massage, immersion baths, kangaroo care, music therapy, and aromatherapy stand out. This study aimed to describe the importance of music therapy for neonates in NICU settings. It is an integrative literature review. The article search was conducted in the Virtual Health Library, using Google Scholar and databases such as LILACS, SciELO, and BDENF, with the descriptors: "Nursing," "Music Therapy," "Music," "Newborns," and "Neonatal ICU." From the 4,700 articles found, 331 were selected after applying filters and inclusion/exclusion criteria; of these, 11 were fully analyzed. The practice helps regulate vital signs, reduces pain and discomfort, and promotes relaxation, distraction, and well-being, proving to be an effective tool in neonatal care within intensive care environments. Music therapy has been increasingly used due to its proven benefits for the health of hospitalized patients, especially neonates in NICUs.

Keywords: Music Therapy; Neonatal ICU; Nursing.

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Author Biographies

Luciana Correa Gôda, Universidade de Vassouras

Enfermagem pela Universidade de Vassouras-RJ. Brasil.

Alessandra da Silva Souza, Universidade de Vassouras

Docente do curso de Enfermagem da Universidade de Vassouras, Vassouras, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.

Elisângela Nascimento Fernandes Gomes, Universidade de Vassouras

Docente do curso de Enfermagem da Universidade de Vassouras, Vassouras, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.

Eliara Adelino da Silva, Universidade de Vassouras

Docente do curso de Enfermagem da Universidade de Vassouras, Vassouras, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.

Geisa Sereno Velloso da Silva, Universidade de Vassouras

Docente do curso de Enfermagem da Universidade de Vassouras, Vassouras, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.

Jannaina Sther Leite Godinho Silva, Universidade de Vassouras

Docente do curso de Enfermagem da Universidade de Vassouras, Vassouras, Rio de Janeiro, Brasil.

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Published

2026-04-30

Issue

Vol. 17 No. 1 (2026): Revista Pró-UniverSUS V 17 N 1

Section

Nursing

License

Copyright (c) 2026 Luciana Correa Gôda, Alessandra da Silva Souza, Elisângela Nascimento Fernandes Gomes, Eliara Adelino da Silva, Geisa Sereno Velloso da Silva, Jannaina Sther Leite Godinho Silva

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