Implementing music therapy on an adolescent inpatient unit: a mixed-methods evaluation of acceptability, experience of participation and perceived impact

Abstract

Integration of music therapy in inpatient treatment of adolescents is feasible and acceptable, and is valued by staff and patients as a complement to 'talking therapies'. Participation is enjoyed and associated with outcomes including improvement in mood, expression of feelings and social engagement consistent with recovery.

Sound practice: Exploring the benefits of establishing a music group on an acute mental health inpatient unit

“…Like the findings of Patterson et al . 's () study in an adolescent unit, consumers in this present study enjoyed participating and benefits were shown in terms of mood, social connectedness and enhanced ward atmosphere. Patterson et al .…”

“…Few studies have evaluated music therapy from the perspective of the staff. Consistent with the findings from Patterson et al .’ () study with adolescent mental health inpatients, staff in the unit commented favourably on the effect on the ward atmosphere and on their own mood. The positive impact on the ward atmosphere was also noted by consumers.…”

“…Patterson et al . () collected data from both the perspective of the patients and the staff using a mixed method design while this present study undertook focus groups only.…”

“…This study complements the findings of other researchers (Patterson et al . ; Silverman ; Silverman & Marcionetti ; Silverman & Rosenow ) that music interventions are appropriate for AMHIUs that provide care for consumers with a diverse range of mental health conditions and presentations.…”

“…One mixed‐methods study of a pilot inpatient music therapy programme for adolescent mental health inpatients (Patterson et al . ) surveyed the views of patients via questionnaires and assessed staff perceptions via semi‐structured interviews. The staff commented favourably on the effect on the ward atmosphere and on their own mood.…”