Methodology

Question 1

What method was used?

Answer 1

Mixed-Methods Convergent Parallel Design

Question 2

Why was this methods used?

Answer 2

Allowed for the simultaneous collection and analysis of both quantitative and qualitative data, ensuring a broad understanding of the intervention.

Question 3

What was the Inclusion Criteria?

Answer 3

• Adults aged 18 and above
• Awaiting acute abdominal surgery

Question 4

What was the Exclusion Criteria?

Answer 4

• Cognitive impairments
• Severe hearing difficulties
• Less than 30 minutes before surgery

Question 5

What was the Sample Size?

Answer 5

• Purposively selected
• 30 participants in quantitative study
• 15 participants in qualitative study

Question 6

What was the intervention?

Answer 6

Participants were given a music pillow and instructed to listen to a pre-selected music program (MusiCure) for 30 minutes. The music was composed of instrumental soundscapes designed to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.

Question 7

How was the Quantitative Data collected?

Answer 7

• Pain, relaxation, and well-being were measured using a Visual Analog Scale (VAS), with scores ranging from 0 to 10
• Taken both before and after the music intervention.

Question 8

How was the Quantitative Data analysed?

Answer 8

• Statistical Analysis: The Wilcoxon signed-rank test was used to assess the difference in patients’ self-reported pain, relaxation, and well-being before and after the music intervention.
• Statistical significance was set at p < 0.05.
• Descriptive statistics (mean, standard deviation, frequency) were also calculated.

Question 9

How was the Qualitative Data collected?

Answer 9

• Field Observations: The first author observed participants during the music session, focusing on their reactions, facial expressions, and general demeanor using an observation guide. The observations provided context and depth to the participants’ experience with the music.
• Semi-Structured Interviews: After the music session, semi-structured interviews were conducted to explore participants’ experiences with the intervention. The interviews lasted 15–30 minutes and were recorded and transcribed verbatim. The interview guide focused on open-ended questions, allowing participants to freely express their thoughts and feelings about the music.

Question 10

How was the Qualitative Data analysed?

Answer 10

• Systematic Text Condensation: a method that involves identifying patterns, coding data into meaningful units, and condensing these units into themes.
• The researcher followed a phenomenological hermeneutic approach to ensure openness and credibility in interpreting the data.

Question 11

What were the Ethical considerations?

Answer 11

• All participants provided written and verbal consent before participating in the study.
• The study was approved by the Danish Data Protection Agency
• Health Research Ethics was not required for this study.

Question 12

What was the Feasibility assessment?

Answer 12

The feasibility of conducting a music intervention in an acute preoperative setting was assessed using Bowen’s framework. This included examining aspects such as acceptability (willingness of participants to engage), practicability(ease of administering the intervention), adaptation (modifications needed to fit the setting), safety (absence of adverse effects), and limited efficacy (preliminary effectiveness).