Music Therapy Intervention to Reduce Symptom Burden in Hospice Patients: A Descriptive Study

Area of Science:

• Palliative Care
• Integrative Medicine
• Psychosocial Oncology

Background:

• Music therapy (MT) shows promise for symptom relief and enhanced quality of life (QOL) in end-of-life care.
• Limited research exists on the specific impact of MT on hospice patients and their caregivers.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the effects of a music therapy intervention on symptom burden and well-being in hospice patients.
• To assess the impact of music therapy on the stress levels and QOL of hospice caregivers.

Main Methods:

• Eighteen hospice patients with elevated symptom scores (ESAS-r) received 3-4 music therapy sessions over 2-3 weeks.
• Patient outcomes measured via Linear Analogue Self-Assessment (LASA) for QOL and Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4) for depression/anxiety.
• Seven caregivers assessed for stress using the Pearlin role overload measure and LASA.

Main Results:

• Hospice patients reported decreased symptom severity, reduced emotional distress, and improved QOL.
• Patients expressed high satisfaction with music therapy, noting benefits for stress relief, relaxation, and emotional support.
• Caregivers reported worse QOL and increased stress levels compared to baseline.

Conclusions:

• Music therapy effectively reduces symptom burden and enhances QOL for hospice patients.
• The intervention was well-received by patients, suggesting its potential integration into hospice care.
• Further research with larger sample sizes is recommended to fully understand MT's impact on both patients and caregivers in hospice settings.