| Summary |
The use of music with palliative care patients is a valuable tool in improving quality of life in final weeks. This exploratory study focused on three objectives: 1) For patients to identify familiarity, meaningfulness, and associations that patients experience when listening to songs, 2) For family members/friends to indicate the significance of music in the patient's life and their own lives, and 3) For staff members to indicate the significance of music for patients and for themselves. This qualitative study used an interview script and recorded excerpts of twelve pre-selected songs for patients, and questionnaires for family members/friends and staff. Thirty patients responded to background musical questions and listened to twelve pre-selected songs from various genres and decades. Emerging themes were coded and categorized. Five family members/friends of patients were given a brief questionnaire rating the importance of music in the patient's life and their own lives. Four staff members were given a brief questionnaire noting observable changes in patient behavior and rating the importance of music for patients and in their own lives. Results of patient interviews indicated that at least one song was familiar, had meaning, and evoked positive associations. Family members/friends indicated that music was somewhat to very important for patients and in their own lives. Staff members indicated physiological, psychological, and social changes in patient behavior during and after music was played for the patient as well as rating the importance of music for themselves as important to very important. This study showed that songs may have a significant impact in the lives of patients receiving palliative care and suggests the importance of music in improving the quality of life for patients, family members/friends, and staff. Further studies should investigate the use of music therapy with all members of the palliative care community. |
