Abstract
BACKGROUND: Pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) and distal pancreatectomy (DP) are painful procedures often accompanied by psychological distress. Music therapy interventions such as music-assisted relaxation and imagery (MARI) have demonstrated efficacy for acute pain but have not been examined within PD/DP. Gene expression mechanisms by which MARI may affect pain also remain poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: This study assessed the feasibility and acceptability of administering MARI, collecting dried blood spots (DBS), and collecting mobile-device patient-reported outcomes (MDPRO) among adults undergoing PD/DP. METHODS: In this single-arm study, patients undergoing PD/DP received a live MARI intervention that was subsequently provided as a recording for use until discharge. DBS and numeric rating scale (NRS) measures of pain, stress, and anxiety were collected pre- (T0), post- (T1), and 15-minutes-post-MARI (T2). Participants were asked to complete MDPROs 3 times/day until discharge and participate in an interview post-discharge. RESULTS: Of 22 patients approached, 5 (22.7%) were enrolled (60% DP) with 80% completing all procedures. All participants completed the live MARI intervention, ≥1 NRS measure from T0-T2, ≥1 listen to the MARI recording, and ≥1 MDPRO survey. DBS sampling success was variable (9/15 [60%] across attempts). Qualitative data revealed three themes: (1) MARI was beneficial and useful throughout recovery; (2) MARI should be longer; and (3) need to improve blood sampling and mobile device procedures. CONCLUSION: Preliminary findings support feasibility and acceptability of live MARI, continued MARI listening through discharge, and MDPRO collection within PD/DP. However, modifications are needed in future studies to improve blood sample collection.