[Experiences, perceptions and emotions of chronically hospitalised patients after a music intervention programme]

Musical interventions for hospitalized patients have shown benefits such as improved mood and reduced stress, but their impact from a qualitative perspective is under-explored. This study aimed to understand the experiences, perceptions, and emotions of chronically ill hospitalized patients who participated in a program of individual micro-concerts during their hospital stay.

A qualitative study was conducted in a hospital in Bilbao, Spain, in 2024. Hospitalized patients were offered 20-minute micro-concerts three times a week. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 21 patients selected through purposive sampling. The interviews were transcribed and analyzed inductively to identify thematic patterns.

The analysis identified four categories. The first was emotional and cognitive well-being, where patients reported improvements in mood and cognitive stimulation. The second category, the operational aspects of the intervention, highlighted the positive perception of the frequency, duration, and personalization of the sessions. The third category was personal evaluation, where the role of the music therapist was highlighted as a key factor in the success of the intervention. Finally, suggestions for improvement included recommendations to extend the program to other areas of the hospital and combine musical interventions with complementary activities.

Personalized musical interventions have a positive impact on the emotional and cognitive well-being of patients. It is essential to design flexible interventions that adapt to individual needs and promote integrated care models.