Not yet recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Sound Origins Acceptability Study

This study, called 'Sound Origins Acceptability Study,' explores whether a music therapy programme is helpful and easy to use for parents whose babies are in neonatal care with uncertain futures, and for the nurses looking after them. We want to understand if these music activities, like personalised playlists, journals, and musical 'gifts' for babies, are well-received and practical in a hospital setting. The study also aims to check how many people join and stay in the study, if it's possible to create and share a unique musical gift quickly, and how best to speak with parents who sadly experience a baby's death during the study. This research hopes to bring comfort and support through music during a very difficult time.

At a glance

Status

Not yet recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

King's College London

Enrolment target

132

Start

01 Sep 2025

Estimated completion

30 Jun 2026

Accessibility and Acceptability of Intervention

What is this study about?

This study is called 'Sound Origins Acceptability Study' and it's designed to see if a special music programme can help parents and nurses on a newborn intensive care unit (neonatal unit). We know that having a baby with serious health problems can be incredibly stressful and emotional. This study aims to find new ways to offer support and comfort during such challenging times.

We're trying out several music-based activities. These include playlists made by other parents who have gone through similar experiences, a journal to help parents use music and reflect on their feelings, and 'musical gifts' created with a music therapist for the baby from family and friends. Nurses also have their own shared playlist, and some nurses might wear 'Ask me' badges to show parents they're happy to talk about music.

The main goal is to find out if these music tools are easy to use, genuinely helpful, and fit well into the busy hospital environment. We also want to learn about how many people join the study and stay involved, and if we can create and share those special musical gifts within a week. Ultimately, we hope this research will show if music therapy can offer a gentle source of comfort and connection for families and staff facing difficult situations.

Key takeaways

It's about helping parents and nurses on a neonatal unit using music.
The study explores special playlists, journals, and musical 'gifts' for babies.
It aims to find out if these music tools are easy to use and helpful.
You get to keep your journal entries private.
You can stop taking part at any time without it affecting care.

Who may be eligible?

This study is looking for two main groups of people to take part: parents and nurses.

For parents, you can join if you are 18 years or older and have a baby in the neonatal unit at University College London Hospital (UCLH) who has a serious health condition. These conditions can range from those where a full recovery might be possible but can be very difficult (like extreme prematurity) to conditions where early death is sadly expected, or long-term severe disability. You need to be able to understand the information about the study and agree to take part.

For nurses, you can join if you work with or support parents of babies in the study at the UCLH neonatal unit. This applies whether you work full-time or part-time, and no matter your specific nursing role. Unfortunately, you cannot join the study if you are under 18, or if you have certain acute mental health conditions.

Quick self-check

I am at least 18 years old.
My baby is in the neonatal unit at UCLH with a serious health condition.
I am a parent, or a nurse working on the UCLH neonatal unit with study families.
I am able to understand the study information and agree to take part.
I do not have an acute mental health diagnosis that would prevent participation.

This is a guide only — the research team will confirm whether you can take part.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to take part, the lead researcher, a research nurse, or a doctor will first explain everything to you and give you an information sheet. You'll have 24 hours to think about it and ask any questions before you decide if you want to give your permission. If you agree, the nurse looking after your baby will give you a special journal and arrange for you to meet with a music therapist.

In that meeting, the music therapist will discuss with you how a nominated family member or friend (who is 18 or over) can create a musical 'gift' for your baby. This could be a lullaby. They’ll also explain the study website and parent playlists. You’ll receive a parent journal which helps you use music and reflect.

After a musical gift is created, it will be shared with you. About a week after starting, the music therapist will check in with you to see how you're getting on and offer more support. You can choose to keep your journal entries private. During the study, you'll be asked to fill out short questionnaires on day 1 and day 16 to assess how safe and supported you feel. The total duration of your active participation, including the check-ins and questionnaires, is about 16 days. After this, you can choose to continue using the resources or stop at any time.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may offer some potential benefits, such as receiving emotional support through music during a very difficult time, and feeling more connected to your baby and support network. You'll be trying out new ways to use music for comfort and reflection, which could be helpful. As for risks, there are generally very few associated with listening to music or gentle reflection. However, discussing your baby's health can be emotionally challenging, and you might find the questionnaires or the process of creating a musical gift stressful for some. You are always free to decide not to answer certain questions, to take a break, or to withdraw from the study at any time without giving a reason, and this will not affect your or your baby's care in any way.

Locations (2)

Kings College London
London, United Kingdom
University College London Hospital Neonatal Unit
London, United Kingdom

Common questions

What is a 'musical gift'?

It's a special song, often a lullaby, created for your baby with support from a music therapist, using voices or sounds from family and friends.

Do I have to share my journal entries?

No, your journal entries are private. You only share them if you choose to.

How long does the study last if I take part?

Your main involvement with questionnaires and check-ins will last about 16 days. You can continue using the music resources afterwards.

Who gets to listen to the playlists?

There are playlists for parents, put together by other parents, and separate playlists that nurses can create and share among themselves.

What does 'uncertain futures' mean for my baby?

It means your baby has a serious health condition. This could be one where they might get better, or one where their life might sadly be very short, or they might have a long-term disability.

How to find out more

Bashir Al Hashimi

vpri@kcl.ac.uk +447540670429 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.