Fadillah Nur Fajri

Background: Patients recovering from craniotomy in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) are at risk of hemodynamic changes related to stress responses, neurological impairment, pain, and environmental stimuli. A combination of music therapy and hand massage may help maintain hemodynamic stability in these patients. Objective: To describe the application of combined music therapy and hand massage to support hemodynamic stability in post-craniotomy patients in the ICU. Methods: This evidence-based nursing intervention was implemented with three post-craniotomy patients admitted to the ICU of Abdul Wahab Sjahranie Regional General Hospital, Samarinda. The intervention consisted of 15 minutes of instrumental or classical music followed by 15 minutes of effleurage hand massage. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure, mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), respiratory rate (RR), and oxygen saturation (SpO₂) were measured before and after each intervention. The intervention was conducted over three days, with each patient’s clinical changes monitored. Results: The case study findings indicated greater stability in blood pressure, MAP, HR, RR, and SpO₂ following the intervention. Conclusion: Combined music therapy and hand massage may be a safe, non-pharmacological intervention to support nursing care and maintain hemodynamic stability in post-craniotomy patients. Further research is needed to assess its effects on other outcomes, including biochemical changes.