Clinical Experience

Type of Facility: Children's Hospital

Patient Population using the Somatron: Pediatric patients receiving invasive procedures

Date of Reported Experiences: Somatron installed in November of 1990

Primary Findings: Reduction in stress, increased relaxation

Secondary Findings: Diversion from pain

Music Used:
Various, age appropriate music, lullabies, Disney soundtracks, and current popular songs

Contact Information:
Laura Jones, RN, MBA, CORN
Director of Patient Care Services
Tampa Childrens' Hospital, St. Josephs
Tampa, Florida

Laura Jones, a nurse and Director of Patient Care Services at St Joseph’s hospital, arranged for the installation of a Somatron in place of a standard examination table in one of the facility’s pediatric procedure rooms. The aim was to use music/vibration as a diversion during invasive procedures, such as blood draws and IV insertions, with children that were anxious, scared or in distress. Care was taken to select age appropriate music. Two case studies were reported as examples of the use of the Somatron equipment in this setting in an article included in the book “Music Vibration” (Edited by Tony Wigram and Cheryl Dileo).

Patient 1 was an infant male who was in an extremely fragile medical condition where increased anxiety and distress frequently resulted in extreme problems with his breathing. Music had been found to be successful in soothing this patient in the past and was therefore played via the Somatron when blood samples were needed or when an IV had to be started. Ms. Jones reported that music experienced via the Somatron was successful in preventing the development of breathing troubles with this patient when invasive procedures were necessary.

Patient 2 was a premature baby diagnosed with cerebral palsy and hydrocephalus. This patient had extremely tight arm and leg muscles when awake and consequently received frequent sedatives. When invasive procedures were necessary, the baby became agitated and upset. Music again had been found to be successful in calming this patient previously and was again, played via the Somatron during these procedures. It was reported that this experience was successful in settling the baby although the vibration was not used in this case.