Fast Fact and Concept #108: Music Therapy

Author(s): Brooke Rossi; Robert Arnold

What is Music Therapy? Music therapy uses the properties of music ? sounds, rhythm, and personal attachment and universality of songs ? for psychosocial and spiritual support and to complement other palliative care treatments.

Who are Music Therapists? Most music therapists have bachelor and masters degrees in music therapy and receive training in music, behavioral science, and basic medical knowledge. They are certified by the Certification Board for Music Therapists (CBMT). Those who pass the national music therapy certification examination earn the credential Music Therapist-Board Certified, (MT-BC).

What do Music Therapists Do? Music therapists develop specific treatment goals based on the patient and family ?s input and feedback from the multidisciplinary team. Techniques include singing, listening to music, playing instruments, lyric analysis, music-prompted reminiscence, songwriting, improvisation, and guided imagery with music.

What are the Indications and Contraindications for Music Therapy? Depression, anger, pain, anxiety, insomnia, nausea/ vomiting, boredom, loneliness, and confusion can be treated with music therapy; the only contraindication is patient preference.

What Type of Patient Benefits From Music Therapy? Music therapy significantly improved their quality-of-life of cancer patients compared to a control group not receiving music therapy; the benefits persisted as illness progressed. Pediatric patients may benefit from music therapy; music brings normalcy to a child ?s otherwise complicated life. They may be able to play or hear their favorite songs or continue playing instruments they played before they became sick.

How Does Music Therapy Impact Quality of Life?

• Providing a basis for life review and reminiscence.
• Providing a means for relating to others.
• Distraction from physical pain and discomfort.
• Providing emotional comfort and relief from anxiety. Providing an enjoyable experience.
• Providing relief in the last hours of life.

Are there Side Effects? Music may unintentionally resurface negative feelings from the past; these can be addressed by working with the music therapist.

How is Music Therapy Paid for? Most music therapy is not billed to insurance. Therapists are funded either by grants, palliative care/hospice programs, or patient bills.

References:

1. Clair AA. Therapeutic uses of music with older adults. Baltimore: Health Professions Press, 1996; pp. 186-191.
2. Porchet- Munro, S. Music therapy. In Doyle D, Hanks GWC, MacDonald N. Oxford Textbook of Palliative Care. New York: Oxford University Press, 1998; pp. 855- 860.
3. Hilliard RE. Music therapy in pediatric palliative care: complementing the interdisciplinary approach. J Pall Care 2003; 19(2): 127-32.
4. Hilliard RE. The effects of music therapy on the quality and length of life of people diagnosed with terminal cancer. J Music Ther 2003; XL(2): 113-137.Please provide Complete Reference: Palliative Care and Support of Oncology pp 993-1003 Andrea Sheve MM, MT-BC. Personal communication, 2003 What is this referencing in general, please delete any personal communication reference.
5. http://www.musictherapy.org/about.html

Fast Facts were edited by David Weissman MD, Palliative Care Center, Medical College of Wisconsin until January 2007.  For comments/questions write to the current editor, Drew Rosielle MD: drosiell@mcw.edu. The complete set of Fast Facts is available at EPERC: www.eperc.mcw.edu

Copyright/Referencing Information: Users are free to download and distribute Fast Facts for educational purposes only. Citation for referencing: Fast Facts and Concepts #108. Music therapy. Rossi B and Arnold R. February 2004. End-of-Life/Palliative Education Resource Center www.eperc.mcw.edu.

Disclaimer:Fast Facts provide educational information, this information is not medical advice. Health care providers should exercise their own independent clinical judgment. Some Fast Fact information cites the use of a product in dosage, for an indication, or in a manner other than that recommended in the product labeling. Accordingly, the official prescribing information should be consulted before any such product is use.

Creation Date: 3/2004

Purpose: Instructional Aid, Self-Study Guide, Teaching

Audience(s)

ACGME Competencies: Interpersonal and Communication Skills, Patient Care

Keyword(s): psychosocial and spiritual experience