The perception of healthcare professionals, through their own personal experiences, of the use of music therapy in hospitalised children and adolescents

Abstract

Background: Music therapy is an emerging and useful methodology for improving patient environments within healthcare fields. However, although it has been shown that music therapy interventions with hospitalised children and adolescents have been used for decades with positive effects, there are currently very few studies that specifically describe the perspectives of healthcare professionals regarding the value of music therapy when applied in these patients. Objectives: To describe the insights of healthcare professionals regarding music therapy, both on a personal level and in terms of its usefulness in the care of hospitalised children and adolescents. Design: This was a qualitative descriptive-exploratory study with focus groups. Participants: Eighteen healthcare professionals. Methods: In January 2023, two focus groups, containing nine healthcare professionals each, were created to collect data regarding their experiences concerning the effect of music therapy on hospitalised children and adolescents. Before recording their opinions, all these professionals participated in an interactive music therapy session. The thematic analysis in this work was performed using MAXQDA® software. Results: Two main categories emerged: (a) the effects of music therapy on healthcare professionals, and (b) the benefits of music therapy to patients (children and adolescents). Conclusions: Music therapy was valued positively by healthcare professionals who described the benefits its use has for hospitalised children and adolescents. They also expressed positive viewpoints regarding the use of music therapy to improve their own self-knowledge and self-care. Implications to practice: Healthcare professionals may utilise music therapists to improve patient outcomes and reduce the negative effects of hospitalisation.