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Background: Patients waiting for radiation treatment report feelings of anxiety, tension, and impatience. The atmosphere of a waiting area, which is predominantly perceived as restless, noisy, oppressive, and like in a transit area, can further intensify these feelings (Preißler et al., 2025). In an interdisciplinary project group, a Healing Soundscape for such a waiting area was developed in a participatory implementation process Patient ambassadors and staff members were involved in this process. The Musical Soundscape Intervention developed here is now being evaluated for its effectiveness on waiting radiology patients in a participatory study. Participatory approaches enhance transparency and promote empowerment, increasing the relevance and acceptance of interventions (Brütt et al., 2025).

Objectives: This exploratory study investigates whether and how a Healing Soundscape (HSS) affects acute anxiety, well-being, perceived waiting time and stress. Additionally, patient satisfaction with the soundscape is examined.

Methods: In a controlled mixed-methods design, radiology patients (n = 90) with waiting time = 10minutes and at least five appointments are assigned to either “HSS”, “no music” or “alternative sounds”. Quantitative data will be analysed for group differences. Semi-structured interviews (n = 10) will be analysed using qualitative content analysis. A group discussion with staff members will be analysed and integrated.

Results: The study will begin in February 2026. At the conference, the participatory study design and first preliminary findings will be presented.

Conclusion: Preliminary results of the study are expected to provide insights into effectiveness and inform future implementation of musical soundscape interventions in clinical waiting areas.