Nurse-led music intervention shows preliminary benefit for cognitive impairment in colorectal cancer patients

PURPOSE: Cancer-related cognitive impairment (CRCI) significantly affects colorectal cancer patients. Individualized music listening offers a theoretically grounded approach that may alleviate cognitive symptoms, though its efficacy in colorectal cancer patients with CRCI remains unexplored. This pilot study aimed to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a nurse-led, individualized music-listening intervention, designed using the Capacity, Opportunity, Motivation-Behavior and Behavior Change Wheel models, for improving cognitive function in colorectal cancer patients with CRCI. METHODS: Seventy patients were block-randomized to receive either a 9-week intervention or routine care. The intervention was personalized using music preference questionnaires and interviews to tailor playlists and listening schedules. The primary outcome was perceived cognitive impairments (PCI), while secondary outcomes included perceived cognitive abilities, immediate memory, delayed memory, attention, executive function, anxiety, depression, sleep quality, fatigue, and self-efficacy. Data were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models. RESULTS: Sixty-one participants completed the study. Significant time × group interactions were found for PCI, perceived cognitive abilities, depression, sleep quality, and self-efficacy (P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P < 0.001, P = 0.001, P = 0.007). The intervention group showed significant improvements in PCI at 6 and 9 weeks (Cohen's d = 1.143 and 1.382, respectively; both P < 0.001). Positive trends were observed for depression and self-efficacy. CONCLUSIONS: This study demonstrated feasibility and preliminary efficacy in improving cognitive impairment in this population. This nurse-led approach may serve as a practical, low-cost strategy to support cognitive health in oncology nursing.