Perceptions of music therapy for older people among healthcare professionals

Abstract

Purpose of study: To investigate the perceptions of healthcare providers on music therapy and their recommendations on wider adoption in a hospital setting. Design and methods:A qualitative exploratory study employing short semi structured interview using thematic analysis method of data analysis.Intervention: A qualitative exploratory study, employing short semi structured interviews was conducted in March 2015 in an urban teaching hospital to explore healthcare providers attitudes towards and recommendations on music therapy. Convenience sampling was used for recruitment of hospital staff from a multidisciplinary geriatric unit. Only staff who had exposure, awareness, or participated in the hospital music therapy program were asked to partake in an in-depth qualitative interview. Main findings:Themes emerging reflected a belief among hospital staff that music therapy was of benefit to patients and staff; perceptions of how a hospital music therapy program should be implemented and a desire for expansion of the music therapy programme throughout the hospital setting.Principal Conclusions: Music therapy is of great importance to both patients and healthcare professionals, and thus more attention is warranted to better integrate and advance this program. This study is important because although numerous studies have examined music therapy from a patient health perspective, no report has analyzed the perceptions of healthcare providers on this intervention and their recommendations on further development of music therapy services.

Rethinking the medical in the medical humanities

“…This was further confirmed by those students who have elected to undertake their 2nd year research project in arts and health, with publications on aesthetics and stroke,40 the pathography of Igor Stravinsky,41 perception of music therapy for older people among healthcare workers,42 and the study of arts, leisure and culture pursuits of medical students presented here.…”

Implementation of personalized music listening for assisted living residents with dementia

“…While the impact of PML on ALF personnel was not objectively evaluated, participating MTs endorsed feeling an ease in their work-flow and improved satisfaction with their work, which is similar to other reports. 35 In this ALF, incentives or mandates handed down by facility leadership were not utilized to encourage adoption.…”

Increasing Public Health Awareness of and Capacity for Arts-Based Therapy in Medicine

“…12 Exposure to the arts also has a comforting effect that can offset stress associated with working in a health care environment, facilitate improved staff and patient interaction and rapport building, and create an encouraging hospital experience. 13 Surgeons listening to music in the operating room can reduce their heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle effort while increasing their surgical accuracy and speed at performing tasks. 14 Pa-tients also benefit when hearing music before and during surgery.…”

“…However, research has shown that patients have less stress and anxiety, have reduced need for analgesia, and are ready for discharge earlier when the health care environment provides them greater opportunity to view natural and urban scenery . Exposure to the arts also has a comforting effect that can offset stress associated with working in a health care environment, facilitate improved staff and patient interaction and rapport building, and create an encouraging hospital experience . Surgeons listening to music in the operating room can reduce their heart rate, blood pressure, and muscle effort while increasing their surgical accuracy and speed at performing tasks .…”