Neurologic Music Therapy via Telehealth: A Survey of Clinician Experiences, Trends, and Recommendations During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Abstract

This cross-sectional survey investigated the transition of Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) services from in-person (pre-COVID-19) to telehealth (since COVID-19) to (1) determine whether the use of an NMT paradigm contributes to the successful transition of therapy services to telehealth, (2) identify which NMT domains and techniques are transferable from in-person to telehealth, (3) identify whether there are differences in the transition of NMT services across different employment settings, and (4) evaluate the potential benefits and challenges of telehealth NMT. An online survey comprised of 49 closed and open-ended questions was distributed by the Academy of Neurologic Music Therapy to 2,778 NMT affiliates worldwide. The survey sought information on demographics, telehealth perceptions, technology, assessment, clinical practice, safety, and caregiver involvement. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were applied. Eighty-one participants answered the survey and the 69 who completed the survey in its entirety were included in the analysis. Results indicated that the frequency of NMT technique usage had no impact on the overall number of clinical hours retained over telehealth. Correlation analysis revealed an association between more frequent NMT usage and perceived likelihood of using telehealth in the future (i.e., once COVID-19 is no longer a major threat), as well as with fewer group sessions lost over telehealth. All NMT domains transferred to telehealth, although within the sensorimotor domain, fewer therapists implemented rhythmic auditory stimulation for telehealth sessions compared to in-person. Overall, NMTs had fewer hours for telehealth compared to in-person regardless of employment setting. Technological challenges were notable drawbacks, while major benefits included the ability to continue providing NMT when in-person sessions were not possible, increased accessibility for remote clients, and positive outcomes related to increased caregiver involvement. Based on the results, our recommendations for implementing telehealth in Neurologic Music Therapy include integrating telehealth into routine care, mitigating safety concerns, identifying those who could benefit most from remote delivery, involving caregivers, and developing/sharing resources for telehealth NMT.

Rhythm and Music-Based Interventions in Motor Rehabilitation: Current Evidence and Future Perspectives

“… Street et al (2020) discussed the potential use of touchscreen devices (iPad) in acute stroke rehabilitation as tools to enhance treatment dosage and engagement. More recently, the potential benefits and challenges of adapting in-person therapeutic sessions to remote music therapy services have been examined, with recommendations for the implementation of telehealth into routine care ( Cole et al, 2021 ). Further research to investigate how technology can be incorporated into clinical practice in music-based motor rehabilitation would be of interest.…”

Implementing Telehealth Music Therapy Services in an Integrative Oncology Setting: A Case Series

“…Other top challenges were lack of therapist-client personal connection and decreased client engagement. 10 The decreased patient engagement noted in this survey contrasted with our experience of more consistent patient and caregiver engagement in an oncology setting. Perhaps telehealth music therapy is more adaptable in certain settings, where the focus may be to address social-emotional distress rather than cognitive and physical rehabilitation.…”

“…A survey of neuro-rehabilitation music therapists providing telehealth music therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic assessed the challenges and benefits of music therapy provided via telehealth. 10 Continuation of regular treatment (36%), decreased travel time (23.2%) and increased accessibility (37.7%) were top benefits noted in the survey, while 68% reported technological difficulties as a top challenge. Other top challenges were lack of therapist-client personal connection and decreased client engagement.…”

Neurological music therapy during the COVID-19 outbreak: updates and future challenges

“…Three recent cross-sectional surveys (Table 2 ) evaluated the pros and cons in the transition of MT from “in person” (pre-COVID-19) to telemedicine services (since COVID-19) taking into account domains and techniques, the possible differences in terms of the occupational context of the music therapist, the potential benefits and future challenges [ 12 – 14 ].…”

“…Cole et al [ 12 ] investigated the demographic perception of tele-NMT in terms of technology use, evaluation of safety, clinical practice, role and involvement of the caregiver (CG). Results showed that only few patients interrupted NMT programmes during the transition from “in person” to “telemedicine”.…”