Transforming Cardiac Care with Music – Bliss DaSilva's Journey
Bliss DaSilva, a cardiology practitioner at Hartford Healthcare, experienced firsthand the challenges of providing care in high-acuity cardiac units. Anxiety, sleeplessness, and agitation were common among her patients, creating a stressful environment for both patients and staff. “We needed a solution that could bring comfort to patients without adding more pressure on the team,” Bliss recalls. That solution came in the form of Coro Health’s MusicFirst program.
The Challenge: Anxiety and Agitation in Cardiac Care
“Our patients were often overwhelmed—anxious, restless, and struggling to find peace,” Bliss explains. Many of them, facing critical conditions like heart failure or awaiting transplants, found it difficult to relax. “Nighttime was especially tough. Delirium and fear would creep in, and we didn’t have the right tools to address it effectively.”
Staff were equally strained. “We were doing everything we could, but traditional methods weren’t enough. We needed something accessible, effective, and non-invasive,” Bliss adds.
The Solution: Introducing MusicFirst
When Bliss implemented MusicFirst, the results were immediate. “It was like a breath of fresh air,” she says. “Patients who had been agitated would visibly relax when the right music played. One patient who had trouble sleeping finally drifted off to the gentle strains of classical music.”
The ability to personalize the music to each patient was a game-changer. “This wasn’t just random playlists; it was music carefully chosen to address specific needs. Some patients wanted calming melodies, while others lit up when they heard rock ‘n’ roll or jazz,” Bliss explains. “It made them feel seen and cared for.”
“MusicFirst didn’t just help the patients—it transformed the entire atmosphere,” Bliss reflects. “We saw patients smiling, tapping along to the music, and even sharing stories about their favorite songs. One man who loved classical music opened up about his time as a violinist, which brought a new level of connection to his care.”
The staff also felt the difference. “It wasn’t just for the clinical team—everyone used it. Housekeepers, dining staff, nurses—it became a shared resource. And it was so simple to integrate into our routines,” Bliss notes.
Family visits improved as well. “Families were able to connect with their loved ones through music. Instead of awkward silences, they were singing and reminiscing together. It was truly heartwarming to see.”
Why MusicFirst Matters
Reflecting on the experience, Bliss emphasizes, “MusicFirst isn’t just a tool—it’s a bridge. It connects patients to their emotions, their families, and even their care teams. It brought humanity back into a clinical setting in a way I hadn’t seen before.”
For Bliss, MusicFirst has become an essential part of her care strategy. “If you’re looking for a way to truly connect with patients, reduce anxiety, and create meaningful moments, MusicFirst is the answer,” she says.
Bliss’s journey is a testament to the power of therapeutic music in healthcare, showing how the right intervention can transform not just care, but lives.