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Music therapy in palliative medicine
L M Gallagher1, M J Huston, K A Nelson
1The Harry R. Horvitz Center for Palliative Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, Taussig Cancer Center, Ohio 44195, USA.
Summary
Music therapy is now standard care in palliative medicine, improving patient, family, and staff experiences. This program offers a model for integrating music therapy into palliative care settings.
Area of Science:
- Palliative Care Medicine
- Integrative Medicine
- Music Therapy
Background:
- Palliative medicine focuses on improving quality of life for patients with serious illnesses.
- Music therapy is increasingly recognized for its therapeutic benefits in healthcare settings.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe a music therapy program implemented in a palliative medicine inpatient unit.
- To evaluate the impact of music therapy on patients, families, and staff.
- To propose a service delivery model for integrating music therapy into palliative care.
Main Methods:
- A collaborative partnership between a medical institution and a music school facilitated program development.
- The program involved specific music therapy interventions, evaluation, and documentation techniques.
- Patient, family, and staff responses were assessed.
Main Results:
- Music therapy was successfully integrated as a standard component of care.
- The program positively impacted patients, their families, and healthcare staff.
- Specific interventions demonstrated effectiveness in the palliative care setting.
Conclusions:
- Music therapy can be effectively integrated into palliative medicine inpatient units.
- The developed service delivery model can guide implementation in similar settings.
- Music therapy offers significant benefits for patients, families, and staff in palliative care.
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