Music therapy for palliative care: A realist review

Abstract

Tables: 1 2 Music therapy for palliative care: a realist review ABSTRACT Objectives: Music therapy has experienced a rise in demand as an adjunct therapy for symptom management among palliative care patients. We conducted a realist review of the literature to develop a greater understanding of how music therapy may benefit palliative care patients and the contextual mechanisms that promote or inhibit its successful implementation. Methods:We searched electronic databases (CINAHL, Embase, Medline, and PSYCHinfo) for literature containing information on music therapy for palliative care.In keeping with a realist approach, we examined all relevant literature to develop theories which could explain how music therapy may work.Results: Forty six articles were included for the review. Music therapy had a therapeutic effect on the physical, psychological, emotional and spiritual suffering of palliative care patients. We also identified programme mechanisms that help explain music therapy's therapeutic effects, along with facilitating contexts for implementation. Significance of results:Music therapy may be an effective nonpharmacological approach to managing distressing symptoms in palliative care patients. Findings also suggest group music therapy may be a cost-efficient, and effective way to support staff caring for palliative care patients. We encourage others to continue developing 3 the evidence base in order to expand our understanding of how music therapy works with the aim of informing and improving the provision of music therapy for palliative care patients.

Interpersonal touch interventions for patients in intensive care: A design‐oriented realist review

“…One of the main strengths of this review is that our theoretical framework is built on relevant research evidence (Fildes, 1985), as well as transferable mid-range theories and neurophysiological mechanisms (cf. McConnell & Porter, 2016). Consultation with stakeholders ensured that the concerns of potential knowledge users were influential in focusing the review.…”

“…We acknowledge that this review has presented only a partial description of how interpersonal touch interventions might work in an ICU setting. For example, we did not consider structural factors (McConnell & Porter, 2016) or benefits to touch interventionists (Prichard & Newcomb, 2015;Wilson, Gettel, Walsh, & Esquenazi, 2016). Moreover, by focusing on the positive effects of interpersonal touch, we have elided potentially important negative effects.…”

¿La musicoterapia contribuye a la recuperación posquirúrgica en perras sometidas a ovariosalpingohisterectomía?

“…La música podría ofrecerse como una forma de ayudar a los pacientes a reducir el dolor y la ansiedad durante el periodo posoperatorio. El tiempo y la entrega se pueden adaptar a entornos clínicos individuales y equipos médicos (14). Además, la musicoterapia puede ser un enfoque no farmacológico eficaz para manejar los síntomas angustiantes en pacientes de cuidados paliativos (15,16).…”

Music Therapy for Seniors at End-of-Life: Literature Review and a Preliminary Randomized Feasibility Study

“…Despite its apparent potential, there is limited evidence to support or refute the effectiveness of music therapy for improving EOL care in the hospice palliative care population. 4,[9][10][11] The heterogeneity of interventions used (active versus passive) and settings (hospice, hospital or home) make it difficult to compare results across studies. Additionally, experimental designs frequently lack the rigor necessary to support arguments for the effectiveness of MT.…”