INTRODUCTION: Interfacility ground critical care transport (CCT) of patients by ambulance may be stressful. This study evaluated whether playing music during CCT reduces patient anxiety and whether objective evidence is manifested by a change in vital signs. SETTING: Urban teaching hospital. METHODS: In this prospective cohort study, music was played for eligible adult patients during CCT while recording vital signs. A questionnaire was subsequently mailed to patients to rate whether the ambulance transport was stressful, the impact music had on transport, whether music changed their anxiety, whether music made them comfortable and relaxed, and whether they would prefer music to be played on future transports. Vital signs were compared between respondents who perceived transport as stressful and those who did not. RESULTS: One hundred two patients were enrolled; 23 respondents (22.5%) constituted the study group. Four patients (17.4%) reported CCT as stressful (average response, 4.75). Nineteen (82.6%) rated CCT as not stressful (average response, 1.63). Subjectively, patients reported a positive impact of music on transport, with improved comfort and relaxation but only a minimal decrease in anxiety. No statistically significant change in vital signs was observed between cohorts; too few patients were enrolled to generate power to detect any difference. CONCLUSIONS: Music therapy is a simple adjunct for use during CCT that may increase patient comfort and alleviate anxiety. The small number of patients in this preliminary report limits the strength of any conclusions. Larger studies are needed

Air Med J. 2009 Mar-Apr;28(2):88-91. Stuhlmiller DF, Lamba S, Rooney M, Chait S, Dolan B. New York Medical College, Valhalla, NY 10595, USA. stuhlmillerd@emamd.com

Background: Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) is a promising approach to help people who suffer recurrent depression prevent depressive relapse. However, little is known about how MBCT works. Moreover, participants' subjective experiences of MBCT as a relapse prevention treatment remain largely unstudied. Aim: This study examines participants' representations of their experience of MBCT and its value as a relapse-prevention program for recurrent depression. Method: Twenty people who had participated in MBCT classes for recurrent depression within a primary care setting were interviewed 12 months after treatment. The focus of the interview was on participants' reflections on what they found helpful, meaningful and difficult about MBCT as a relapse prevention program. Thematic analysis was used to identify the key patterns and elements in participants' accounts. Results and conclusions: Four overarching themes were extracted: control, acceptance, relationships and struggle. The theoretical, clinical and research implications are discussed.

Behav Cogn Psychother. 2009 Jun 10:1-18. Allen M, Bromley A, Kuyken W, Sonnenberg SJ. University of Exeter, UK.

Lilia has been a Critical Care RN for more than 20 years working primarily in Coronary Care Unit in one of New York's busiest city hospitals. As an RN working in New York for many years, she worked in both city and private hospitals.

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