[The effects of "relaxing music" on patients, doctors and nursing staff of a medical intensive care unit (author's transl)].

With the intention of reducing the psychological stress and anxiety of patients during their admission to the medical intensive care unit, specially selected and prepared instrumental music was played over a loud speaker to the patient cubicles. The patients' opinions on the programme and their subjective state of health were determined by a questionnaire. 78% of the patients felt that their well-being was improved by the music. With the exception of 7%, who were disturbed by the music, all other patients found it reassuring, diverting, hypnotic or entertaining. In addition to the patients 11 doctors and 16 nurses from the intensive care unit as well as 38 doctors and 80 nurses from 39 medical intensive care units in German university clinics and large hospitals were asked for their opinions on the use of music for intensive care patients.