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Music therapy: a valuable adjunct in the oncology setting
Emily M Mahon1, Suzanne M Mahon
1School of Health Professions, Department of Music Therapy, Maryville University, St. Louis, MO, USA. emahon@live.maryville.edu
Clinical Journal of Oncology Nursing
|August 4, 2011
Summary
Music therapy, guided by credentialed professionals, offers significant benefits for cancer patients. It effectively reduces stress, anxiety, pain, and depression while enhancing emotional expression.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Complementary Medicine
- Music Therapy
Background:
- Music therapy is a clinical intervention utilizing music to achieve therapeutic goals.
- Credentialed music therapists provide supervised and evidence-based music interventions.
- It is recognized as a complementary medicine approach in various healthcare settings.
Observation:
- Music therapy can be integrated into oncology care to support patients.
- Interventions are tailored to individual patient needs and clinical objectives.
- Patients can engage in music therapy sessions actively or passively.
Findings:
- Music therapy effectively decreases stress, anxiety, and depression in cancer patients.
- It serves as a valuable tool for pain and nausea management.
- Music therapy facilitates emotional expression and provides a therapeutic distraction.
Implications:
- Music therapy represents a vital component of holistic cancer care.
- Integrating music therapy can improve patient quality of life during treatment.
- Further research can explore the neurobiological mechanisms underlying music therapy's effects.
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