The systematic review as a research process in music therapy

Area of Science:

• Music Therapy Research
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Systematic Reviews

Background:

• Music therapists face challenges in presenting treatment efficacy evidence.
• Incorporating research evidence is crucial for informed healthcare decisions.
• Systematic reviews offer higher standards of evidence for music therapy.

Purpose of the Study:

• Define and describe research review methods, emphasizing systematic reviews in music therapy.
• Provide a detailed overview of conducting and reporting systematic reviews.
• Illustrate methods with examples from music therapy literature.

Main Methods:

• Describe the five-step systematic review process: research plan, literature identification, data coding, synthesis and analysis, and evidence evaluation.
• Detail each step with practical considerations for music therapy research.
• Emphasize the importance of a structured approach to literature synthesis.

Main Results:

• Music therapists are encouraged to develop and conduct systematic reviews.
• Systematic reviews enhance the credibility of review outcomes.
• This methodology aids in interpreting and utilizing information by clinicians, patients, and policymakers.

Conclusions:

• Systematic reviews rigorously organize and evaluate literature for clinical problems.
• They assist music therapists in managing extensive literature.
• Facilitate informed evidence-based practice, research decisions, and translation of findings into clinical practice.