Music During Allogeneic Stem Cell Transplant Hospitalization

To address this clinical and research need in the current project, the primary aim is to (1) assess the feasibility, acceptability, and appropriateness of a self-guided music listening intervention (i.e. Independent Music Listening or "IML") comprised of 1-hour daily music listening during the inpatient hospitalization (e.g., 3-4 weeks) and delivered via web-based platform/smart phone app (e.g., Spotify or Apple music) among 35 HCT patients. Participants will be randomized to IML (n=23) or usual care control group (n=12). The secondary aims are to (2a) explore whether the IML program is associated with improvements on psychosocial self-report measures of patient quality of life, distress, and mindfulness and (2b) whether preliminary psychosocial effects of the IML program are different from a control group of patients completing usual care. In an exploratory aim, the PI will gather qualitative data on patient perceptions and reactions to daily music listening via a daily music diary and post-intervention open-ended questions. Data produced from the current study will help inform development of future interventions to improve quality of life in HCT patients that are based in arts in medicine or creative arts therapy modalities.