08/11/2025
Music therapy in the ICU is more than just a nice idea — it’s a clinical practice grounded in evidence, relationship, and skilled delivery of music-based interventions.
Today, we're busting the biggest myths we hear on the hospital floor about music therapy. Which of these surprised you most? What would you add? 🗣️
ID1: White graphic with JH Music Medicine logo top right and blue music notes top left. A yellow thought cloud reads “MYTH BUSTING” above a navy blue blob reading “Music Therapy and the Intensive Care Unit (ICU).” is below a light blue horizontal line.
ID2: White graphic with blue text-containing blobs layered on a yellow blob. JH Music medicine logo top left and handle bottom left. Text reads, “Myth: Music therapy is a last resort when nothing else works. Fact: In the ICU, music therapy can be used proactively to reduce sedation and analgesia needs, support coping, and prepare for big transitions like extubation, discharge and/or end-of-life care.”
ID3: Same graphic but text blobs are yellow and navy over light blue blob. TExt reads, “Myth: Music therapy is just for children and older adults. Fact: Music therapy benefits ICU patients across the lifespan, from neonates to teenagers to adults, and their family members. Music therapy is adapted to age, needs, and context – not limited by it.”
ID4: Same graphic as ID 2. Text reads, “Myth: Music therapy only helps patients who are awake and alert. Fact: Patients who are sedated, receiving mechanical ventilation, and/or experiencing disorders of consciousness may still respond to music through changes in breathing, heart rate, brain activity, and subtle behavioral responses.”
ID5: Same graphic as ID3. Text reads, “Myth: Music therapy is not ‘real’ therapy. Fact: Music therapy is grounded in psychology, neuroscience, and human development. Board-certified music therapists use music to support clinical goals — like improving vital signs, supporting grief and bereavement, and facilitating emotional expression for ICU patients and families.”
