Clinical trials

The extubation process is critical to the future health outcomes of the pediatric patient because it tests the ability of the respiratory system to function without the support of mechanical ventilation. However, extubation can cause stress, pain, anxiety, or discomfort in the patients, which results in an increased likelihood of reintubation. Music therapy has been shown to be effective in reducing anxiety and stress levels in ventilated adult patients, but studies evaluating the effect of music therapy on vital signs in pediatric patients during extubation are lacking. The aim is to determine the effect of music therapy on vital signs and heart rate variability of pediatric patients during extubation in in two high-complexity health care institutions in Colombia. This study is a Randomized clinical trial (RCT) with two parallel arms. The intervention group (IG) will receive standard care during the extubation process + music therapy and the control group (CG) will receive standard care only. The primary outcome measure is heart rate (HR) measured every minute for 5 minutes before extubation, during extubation, and up to 10 minutes after extubation. Secondary measures are: oxygen saturation, respiratory rate, blood pressure, duration of the procedure, number of reintubations, and heart rate variability.

Currently, the incidence of involutional and chronic eyelid disorders, such as ectropion, has been increasing, as human life expectancy has risen worldwide (more than 600 million people are aged ≥ 60 years). Ectropion is a common eyelid malposition that causes visual morbidity. It is characterized by eversion of the eyelid margin and has multiple etiologies. Steri-Strip tapes have been used in some ophthalmologic procedures, such as blepharoplasties, where they help prevent infections by acting as a barrier method, are resistant enough to reduce the risk of wound dehiscence, simplify postoperative care, and allow for proper eyelid fissure closure. Their use has been recommended in patients with facial paralysis to prevent keratitis or exposure ulcers. However, current evidence is limited, as their use has only been documented in case series and letters to the editor. Therefore, a randomized controlled clinical trial is proposed to evaluate the postoperative outcomes of Steri-Strip tape use in unilateral ectropion surgery compared to standard postoperative management.

Intensive Care Unit Acquired Weakness (ICU-AW) is a common complication of critical illnesses, occurring in approximately 50% of ICU patients and is strongly associated with increased morbidity, physical impairments, and both short- and long-term mortality. The main characteristics of ICU-AW are symmetrical generalised muscle weakness affecting both respiratory and limb muscles; however, the clinical phenotype may differ depending on age, disease burden, length of ICU stay, and mechanical ventilation duration. The objective of the present study is to evaluate the feasibility achieved and the safety outcomes reported in a cohort of critically ill patients who undergo early mobilisation and rehabilitation in intensive care units. This research is a multicentre prospective cohort study.

The mental health of parents of preterm newborns (PTNB) is negatively affected by prolonged hospitalization of the PTNB in the intensive care unit. This produces changes in the role of the parents and the bond with the newborn, leading to states of depression, anxiety, and stress. Several strategies, including music therapy, have been implemented to mitigate the negative impact on the parents' mental health. The main objectives of the proposed trial are to determine whether Music Therapy (MT) songwriting combined with standard care (SC) during NICU stay is superior to SC alone in reducing the risk of postpartum depression in at-risk parents of preterm children at the end of treatment, and understand the lived experiences of participating parents who received music therapy for their mental health.

Patients and caregivers attending emergency units often experience elevated levels of stress and anxiety. Music has been used in waiting rooms to reduce stress and anxiety, but existing studies on music in emergency unit waiting areas are scarce and have limitations such as low statistical power and limited music selection. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of live Environmental Music Therapy (EMT) and pre-recorded music on state-anxiety, stress, pain and well-being levels in patients and caregivers in the emergency unit waiting areas of two hospitals in Colombia. This study is a multi-center randomized clinical trial, with three arms: standard care + live EMT, standard care + pre-recorded music, and standard care only. The primary outcome measure is the six-item State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-6). Secondary outcome measures are pain and stress levels, both measured with a Visual Analogue Scales (VAS), and well-being, measured with the Well-Being Numerical Rating Scales (WB-NRSs). The scales will be applied before and after each intervention. This study seeks to contribute to improving mental health, wellbeing, and quality of care of patients and caregivers in the waiting area of the emergency units. This is the first study in Colombia investigating the effect live music therapy and pre-recorded music interventions in the emergency department.

Introduction: Many cancer patients experience high levels of anxiety during chemotherapy, which can negatively impact their mental health and physiological, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Various complementary therapies exist to mitigate these effects, including music therapy. Although preliminary evidence supports the positive effects of music therapy and music-based interventions in chemotherapy, few studies report live group interventions conducted by accredited music therapists. Objective: To determine the effect of a single session of live group music therapy on state anxiety levels and well-being in adult cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Methodology: This study is a multicenter, randomized clinical trial with two arms. The intervention group will receive standard care plus a live group music therapy session, while the control group will receive standard care only. The primary outcome measure is the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI-E), and the secondary outcome measure is well-being, assessed using the Well-being Numerical Rating Scales (WB-NRSs). The scales will be administered before and after each intervention. The sample size is 102 patients. Expected Results: This study aims to improve the psycho-emotional health and well-being of cancer patients during chemotherapy, thereby enhancing the quality of care.