Preliminary results of the effect of music therapy treatment on anxiety, sadness, physical discomfort, mood, and quality of life in hospitalized onco-haematological patients.

BACKGROUND: Physical and psychological distress may occur in patients facing an onco-haematological diagnosis and undergoing complex therapies such as intensive chemotherapy, stem cell transplantation, and immunotherapy. Studies have shown the need for incorporating different therapeutic modalities to respond to patients' physical and psychosocial needs. AIMS: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of music therapy treatment on mood, anxiety, depression, and physical discomfort in hospitalized onco-haematological patients. METHODS: Forty patients were included in this music therapy study from November 2021 to May 2023. Treatment consisted of individual weekly music therapy sessions. Participants completed the following evaluation instruments before and after the intervention: the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Profile of Mood States-Short Form A-Version (POMS-A), and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer-Quality of Life Core Questionnaire-30 (EORTC QLQ-C30). A three-item numerical rating scale (NRS) for anxiety, sadness, and physical discomfort was administered at the beginning and end of each session (pre-/postsession). RESULTS: Differences (p < 0.05) were shown in NRS scores for anxiety, sadness, and physical discomfort before and after the music therapy sessions. Quality of life (QoL) was affected in almost all items, and patients could be anxious at a nonclinical level, but they were clinically depressed. EORTC QLQ-C30 scores for insomnia and pain related to the hospitalization process got worse after discharge. CONCLUSIONS: The interim results of our study showed that music therapy sessions can positively change emotional distress and improve the mood of haematological patients after every session. Despite the difficulties and limitations of this study, this preliminary report contributes to a greater understanding of the potential benefits of music therapy in hospitalized onco-haematological patients.

International Music Therapists' Perceptions and Experiences in Telehealth Music Therapy Provision.

The use of telehealth within music therapy practice has increased through necessity in recent years. To contribute to the evolving evidence base, this current study on Telehealth Music Therapy (TMT) was undertaken to investigate the telehealth provision experiences of music therapists internationally. Participants completed an anonymous online cross-sectional survey covering demographics, clinical practice, telehealth provision, and telehealth perceptions. Descriptive and inferential statistics, in combination with thematic analysis, were used to analyze the data. A total of 572 music therapists from 29 countries experienced in providing TMT took part in this study. The results showed that the overall number of clinical hours (TMT and in-person hours combined) declined due to the pandemic. Participants also reported reduced perceived success rates in utilizing both live and pre-recorded music in TMT sessions when compared to in-person sessions. Although many music therapists rose to the challenges posed by the pandemic by incorporating TMT delivery modes, there was no clear agreement on whether TMT has more benefits than drawbacks; however, reported benefits included increased client access and caregiver involvement. Furthermore, a correlation analysis revealed moderate-to-strong positive associations between respondents who perceived TMT to have more benefits than drawbacks, proficiency at administering assessments over telehealth, and perceived likelihood of using telehealth in the future. Regarding the influence of primary theoretical orientation and work setting, respondents who selected music psychotherapy as a primary theoretical orientation had more experience providing TMT prior to the pandemic while those primarily working in private practice were most inclined to continue TMT services post-pandemic. Benefits and drawbacks are discussed and future recommendations for TMT are provided.

Why Music Therapists Choose to Work with a Clinical Population: An International Pilot Survey.

(1) Background: Throughout their career, music therapists make decisions regarding the clinical population they choose to work with. Though such decisions can have broad implications on the professional development of the music therapist, not much is known about the reasons for making these decisions and whether they are affected by demographic or professional factors. (2) Methods: In this pilot study, we surveyed 439 music therapists from six countries (i.e., Austria, the Czech Republic, Germany, Israel, Spain, and Switzerland) using an online questionnaire. We asked the respondents to explain why they chose to work with their main clienteles, and we examined whether their reasons were connected to demographic factors such as country of origin, gender, and seniority, and professional factors such as experience as a music therapist and population one works with. (3) Results: The category analysis of these responses pointed at nine distinct reasons that could be grouped into "practical reasons", "reasons of connection", and "innovation". There were differences in reasoning between music therapists from different countries, and with different degrees of seniority, but not between male and female music therapists. (4) Discussion: The implications on training programs and on policy makers are discussed as well as the importance of this subject to the development of music therapists' professional identity.

Efecto de la musicoterapia en el estado de ánimo y calidad de vida de pacientes con cáncer colorrectal / The effectiveness of music therapy on mood and quality of life of colorectal cancer patients

Objetivo: Evaluar la efectividad de un tratamiento de musicoterapia en el estado anímico y calidad de vida de pacientes diagnosticados de cáncer colorrectal (CCR). Método: Dieciocho sujetos (14 mujeres y 4 hombres) diagnosticados de CCR participaron en un tratamiento de ocho sesiones de musicoterapia de grupo, de frecuencia semanal y 90 minutos/sesión. Se administró la Escala de Ansiedad y Depresión Hospitalaria (HAD), el Perfil de Estados de Ánimo - versión reducida A (POMS-A) así como la Escala de Calidad de Vida Global y Escalas de Funcionamiento del Cuestionario de Calidad de Vida de la EORTCQLQ-30 (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer-Quality of Life Core Questionnaire-30) en pre- y post-tratamiento. Se midió el nivel de Ansiedad, Tristeza y Malestar Físico mediante una Escala de Valoración Numérica (EVN) en pre- y post-sesión. Se utilizó una Hoja de Observación y Registro de Conductas (instrumento propio elaborado ad hoc) para registrar las respuestas de cada participante en cada sesión y un Cuestionario de Valoración del Programa de Musicoterapia (instrumento propio, elaborado ad hoc) al finalizar el programa. Resultados: No se han obtenido cambios estadísticamente significativos en el POMS-A, HAD ni EORTC QLQ-C30, si bien todas las puntuaciones obtenidas van en la dirección de cambio deseado. Se ha obtenido una disminución estadísticamente significativa de los niveles de EVN Global de Ansiedad, Tristeza y Malestar. El Cuestionario de Valoración recoge una percepción de alto grado de utilidad y satisfacción por parte de los participantes

Aim: To evaluate the effectiveness of a music therapy treatment on mood and quality of life of colorectal cancer patients. Method: Eighteen subjects (14 women and 4 men) who were diagnosed with colorectal cancer participated in a music therapy program consisting of eight weekly group music therapy sessions, 90 minute-session. Participants completed the following instruments before and after the intervention (pre/post): the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Profile of Mood States-Short Form A (POMS-A), the Global Quality of Life Scale and the Functioning Scales of the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer-Quality of Life Core QuestionnaireC30 (EORTC-QLQ-C30). A 3 item Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) for Anxiety, Sadness and Physical Distress was administered at the beginning and end of each session (pre/post session). An Observation Behavior Form (designed ad hoc) was used to evaluate mood after each session. A Music Therapy Program Satisfaction Questionnaire (designed ad hoc) was administered at the end of the program. Results: Although all the obtained scores pointed to a desirable change direction, non significant changes were found in the POMS-A, HADS nor EORTC QLQ-C30. A significant improvement was found in the Anxiety, Sadness and Physical Distress NRS items. The Music. Therapy Program Satisfaction Questionnaire showed that participants perceived this type of intervention as very useful and very satisfactory

Efecto de la musicoterapia en el estado anímico y calidad de vida de un grupo de mujeres supervivientes de cáncer de mama / The effectiveness of a music therapy treatment on mood and quality of life of breast cancer survivors

Introducción: Las pacientes diagnosticadas de cáncer de mama pueden continuar experimentando malestar físico y emocional, pese a haber finalizado el tratamiento oncológico activo. Objetivo: El objetivo de este estudio es explorar la eficacia de un tratamiento con musicoterapia para la mejora del estado anímico y de la calidad de vida de un grupo de mujeres supervivientes de cáncer de mama. Método: Once mujeres con cáncer de mama en fase de supervivencia participaron en un programa de musicoterapia. El tratamiento ha consistido en 8 sesiones de musicoterapia de grupo, de frecuencia semanal y con una duración de 90 minutos/sesión. Las participantes completaron a nivel pre/post test la escala HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), la escala POMS-A (Profile of Mood States), el cuestionario de Calidad de Vida de la EORTC-QLQ-30 (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer-Quality of Life Core Questionnaire-30), así como una Escala de Valoración Numérica (EVN) para el ítem Ansiedad, Tristeza y Malestar Físico a nivel de pre/post sesión. También se administró un Cuestionario de Valoración al finalizar el programa. Resultados: El tratamiento produjo mejora significativa en el índice de alteración emocional del POMS-A, así como en la subescala Tensión. No se observaron cambios significativos en la variable Ansiedad y Depresión del HADS. La calidad de vida mostró un cambio significativo en la subescala Funcionamiento Emocional (EORTC-QLQ-30). Se ha obtenido una mejora significativa en los 3 ítems de la EVN. El Cuestionario de Valoración recoge un alto grado de utilidad y satisfacción de las participantes con esta modalidad de intervención

Introduction: Even when the oncologic treatments are completed, breast cancer patients still may experience physical and psychological distress. Aim: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a music therapy treatment on mood and quality of life of breast cancer survivors. Method: Eleven free-disease women participated in a music therapy program. Treatment consisted of 8 weekly group music therapy sessions, 90 minutes/session. Participants completed the following instruments before and after the intervention (pre/post): HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), POMSA (Profile of Mood States), Quality of Life EORTC-QLQ-30 (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer-Quality of Life Core Questionnaire-30). A 3 item Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) for Anxiety, Sadness and Physical Distress was administered at the beginning and ending of each session (pre/post session). An Evaluation Questionnaire was administered at the end of the program. Results: The POMS-A results showed a statistical significant improvement in the Total Mood Disturbance Scores and in the Tension Subscale. No significant changes were found in the Anxiety and Depression HADS subscales. Quality of Life only significantly improved in the Emotional Functioning EORTC Subscale. A significant improvement has been found in the 3 NRS items. The Evaluation Questionnaire shows that participants have perceived this type of intervention as very useful and at a very satisfactory level

Effects of group music therapy on quality of life, affect, and participation in people with varying levels of dementia.

BACKGROUND: There is substantive literature reporting the importance and benefits of music and music therapy programs for older adults, and more specifically for those with dementia. However, few studies have focused on how these programs may contribute to quality of life. OBJECTIVES: Objectives for this exploratory study were: (a) to evaluate the potential effect of group music therapy program participation on the quality of life of older people with mild, moderate, and severe dementia living in a nursing home; (b) to identify and analyze changes in affect and participation that take place during music therapy sessions; and (c) to suggest recommendations and strategies for the design of future music therapy studies with people in various stages of dementias. METHODS: Sixteen participants (15 women; 1 man), with varying level of dementia participated in 12 weekly music therapy sessions. Based on Global Deterioration Scale (GDS) scores, phases of cognitive function were as follows: mild (n = 9; GDS 3-4), moderate (n = 5; GDS 5), and severe (n = 2; GDS 6-7). Data were collected using the GENCAT scale on Quality of Life. Sessions 1, 6, and 12 were also video recorded for post-hoc analysis of facial affect and participation behaviors. RESULTS: There was no significant difference in quality of life scores from pre to posttest (z = -0.824; p =0.410). However, there was a significant improvement in median subscale scores for Emotional Well-being (z = -2.176, p = 0.030), and significant worsening in median subscale scores for Interpersonal Relations (z =-2.074; p = 0.038) from pre to posttest. With regard to affect and participation, a sustained high level of participation was observed throughout the intervention program. Expressions of emotion remained low. CONCLUSIONS: Authors discuss implications of study findings to inform and improve future research in the areas of music therapy, quality of life, and individuals with dementia.

Contributions of music to aging adults' quality of life.

The purpose of this study was: (a) To evaluate and to compare the impact of three music programs (choir, music appreciation and preventive music therapy sessions) on the quality of life of healthy older adults, and (b) to identify the motivations and the difficulties that seniors encounter when participating in activities of this type, in order to come up with recommendations and strategies for the design of appropriate programs for older adults. A pre-posttest quasi-experimental design without equivalent control group was used in this project. The sample included 83 persons over 65 years of age. The data collection was carried out through an ad hoc questionnaire that included the four aspects of the construct of quality of life (physical health, subjective health, psychological well-being and interpersonal relations), a questionnaire on motivation and another on satisfaction about the program. This questionnaire on quality of life was administered twice: at the beginning of the programs (pretest) and at the end (posttest). The results of this study indicate that the participants perceived improvements in some aspects of their quality of life. In addition, the main reasons which motivate participation in these musical activities are to broaden the social network and to acquire new knowledge. The results are discussed in the light of the challenges of active and satisfactory aging.

Music therapy with Alzheimer's patients and their family caregivers: a pilot project.

The purpose of this paper is to present the results of a pilot project sponsored by a private foundation in Spain ("Fundació la Caixa"), in order to demonstrate some of the applications of music therapy, and to measure more systematically some of its effects on people with a probable diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders (ADRD) in early-moderate stages of the disease, and their family caregivers. Subjects for this project were 14 patients (5 women and 9 men) with a probable diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease, and 14 family caregivers (9 women and 5 men) from a rural area outside of Barcelona. Their age range was 70 to 80 years. Prior to the beginning of the project, a neuropsychologist specialized in gerontology administered a series of standardized tests to the participants. These same tests were administered again 2 days before the end of the project and 2 months later for follow-up purposes. The results of the satisfaction questionnaire showed that the caregivers perceived an improvement in the social and emotional areas of their patients, and statistical tests showed significant differences between pre and posttest scores in the following tests: (a) Dementia Scale (X2 = 12.29, p = .002), (b) NPI (X2 = 17.72, p = .001), (c) the Cohen-Mansfield agitation scale (X2 = 11.45, p = .003), (d) Burden Interview (X2 = 9.19, p = .01), (e) Memory and Behavior Problems Checklist (frequency subscale) (X2 = 11.09, p = .004), (f) STAI-S (X2 = 14.72, p = .001), and (g) Beck's Depression Inventory (X2 = 9.38, p = .009). These results and their implications are discussed extensively.