Perceived outcomes of music therapy with Body Tambura in end of life care – a qualitative pilot study

Abstract

BackgroundIn recent years, music therapy is increasingly used in palliative care. The aim of this pilot study was to record and describe the subjective experiences of patients and their relatives undergoing music therapy with a Body Tambura in a German hospice and to develop hypotheses for future studies.MethodsIn a qualitative interview pilot study, data collection and analyses were performed according to the methodological framework of grounded theory. We included German-speaking patients, or relatives of patients, receiving end of life care in an inpatient hospice setting.Results11 persons consisting of 8 patients (age range 51–82 years, 4 male and 4 female) and 3 relatives were treated and interviewed. All patients suffered from cancer in an advanced stage. The most often described subjective experiences were a relaxing and calming effect, sensations that the body feels lighter, and the generation of relaxing images and visualizations. Family members enjoyed listening to the music and felt more connected with the sick family member.ConclusionPatient reported beneficial aspects. The small sample size could be seen as a limitation. Assessment instruments measuring relaxation, stress, quality of life and should be included in future quantitative studies.

Music Therapy in Palliative Care

“…When played steadily, it produces a sound rich in overtones and creates a soothing atmosphere. Initial pilot studies show subjective and physiologically detectable relaxation responses in oncology patients as a result of listening to the sounds of a monochord/tambura (23)(24)(25).…”

Relaxation – Induced by Vibroacoustic Stimulation via a Body Monochord and via Relaxation Music – Is Associated with a Decrease in Tonic Electrodermal Activity and an Increase of the Salivary Cortisol Level in Patients with Psychosomatic Disorders

“…fifths, octave or identical tuning) [25]. Research on therapeutic application of monochord sounds and vibroacoustic stimulation via Body Monochord has been conducted with oncological patients [29, 30] and palliative care patients [31, 32]. Positive effects like reduction of anxiety and improvement of wellbeing [29, 30] as well as relaxing and calming experiences were reported [31].…”

Effectiveness and Interventions of the Music Therapy in Patients in Palliative Care

“…Eletronic edition in http://Amadeusjournal.emnuvens.com.br/amadeus respiratory rates, decrease in pressure levels and improvement of mood aspects were observed safely and without side effects. 8,9,10 The association between palliative care and music therapy addresses the patient in its entirety with a multidisciplinary approach, which, when evaluating the patient, understands their specific objectives, contributing to provide more comfort to both patients and their families. Thus, patients feel more valued, especially when they perform some function within the therapy such as playing an instrument, giving greater purpose to their own life and providing opportunities to find peace.…”