Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies
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Focus Alternat Complement Ther©2005 Pharmaceutical Press
Focus Altern Complement Ther 2006; 11: 33
A recent growth in music therapy posts in palliative care has occurred despite a paucity of rigorous research, reflected in the lack of support for music or any of the art therapies in the UK’s National Institute for Clinical Excellence guidelines on Supportive and Palliative Care. This study aims to underpin the work of music therapists by exploring the scope and nature of current practice, and provide guidance for the future development of the discipline.
A mapping exercise was conducted to reveal the extent and nature of music therapy practice in the UK palliative care system, providing background to the study. In-depth interviews were conducted with 20 multi-disciplinary colleagues of music therapists at five hospices. Qualitative analysis of interview data using ‘framework’ methodology was used to generate themes and appraise the scope of music therapy.
Interviews confirmed the findings of existing literature regarding the social, emotional, environmental and spiritual benefits of music therapy, also revealing perceptions of synergistic effects. Perceptions of nurses contrasted with those of allied health professionals, whose more positive views were informed by collaborative work.
Music therapy is an appropriate intervention for meeting the holistic needs of palliative care service users. More understanding and integration of music therapy could be encouraged with collaborative work, educational workshops and the use of environmentally focused techniques.
This study was awarded the Napp Palliative Care Research Prize (MSc Research). Funding was provided by the Towersey Foundation, Rowcroft Hospice and Help the Hospices.
