Bereaved Parents' Experiences of Music Therapy with their Terminally III Child

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate bereaved parents' experiences of music therapy with their terminally ill child. In-depth interviews were conducted with 7 bereaved parents who were recruited through a community-based palliative care program. The parent participants' experiences varied as their children who received music therapy ranged in ages from 5 months to 12 years old. The interview transcripts were analyzed using phenomenological strategies. Five global themes emerged from the analysis. These included (a) music therapy was valued as a means of altering the child's and family's perception of their situation in the midst of adversity, (b) music therapy was a significant component of remembrance, (c) music therapy was a multifaceted experience for the child and family, (d) music therapy enhanced communication and expression, and (e) parents shared perceptions of and recommendations for improving music therapy services. These emergent themes yield knowledge into the relevance of music therapy within pediatric palliative care.

Music therapy in children's hospices: An evaluative survey of provision

“…In response, children's hospices appear to be ideal institutions to benefit from music therapy. Lindenfelser, Grocke and McFerran (2008) remark that the aims of music therapy are, "remarkably similar to those set out by the World Health Organization for paediatric palliative care" (p. 332), in particular the perceived impact on quality of life through the art of music. Dame Cicely Saunders, when founding the hospice movement, imparted a doctrine focused on enhancing quality of life that has continued to dominate hospices.…”

“…It is perhaps then not surprising to find that in the smaller population of paediatric palliative care, there is a greater paucity of evidence surrounding the role and impact of music therapy (Daveson, 1999;Duffy & Fuller, 2000;Ibberson, 1996;Knapp et al, 2009;Lindenfelser, Grocke & McFerran, 2008;McFerran & Hogan, 2005). Evidence gathering is challenging due to small sample sizes and the complex ethical issues that present themselves when researching this palliative care population (Black & Penrose Thompson, 2012).…”

“…For example, Amadoru and McFerran (2007) explore the perceptions of staff, while Lindenfelser Grocke and McFerran. (2008) report on interviews with bereaved parents about their experiences of receiving music therapy with their child.…”

“…(2008) report on interviews with bereaved parents about their experiences of receiving music therapy with their child. Parents receiving a paediatric palliative care service have been surveyed to determine their level of satisfaction and the impact of services on their quality of life (Knap et al, 2009;Lindenfelser, Grocke & McFerran, 2008;Lindenfelser, Hense & McfErran, 2011). Music therapy bereavement projects for family members such as siblings have also been evaluated to determine impact (Kammin & Tilley, 2013;Register & Hilliard, 2008).…”

“…The highly valued outcomes of the music therapy services discussed within the literature have a strong focus on enhancing quality of life (Lindenfelser, Grocke & McFerran, 2008;Lindenfelser, Hense & McFerran, 2011;McFerran & Shanahan, 2011;Sheridan & McFerran, 2004;Smith, 2014). In children's hospices, music therapy seeks to impact emotional wellbeing and to facilitate self-expression.…”