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Exploring the efficacy of music in palliative care: A scoping review

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 October 2020

Mathew Nyashanu*
Affiliation:
Institute of Health and Allied Professions, School of Social Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
Deborah Ikhile
Affiliation:
Institute of Health and Allied Professions, School of Social Sciences, Nottingham Trent University, Nottingham, UK
Farai Pfende
Affiliation:
Training & Development, JoCO Learning & Development Ltd. United Kingdom, Nottingham, UK
*
Author for correspondence: Mathew Nyashanu, Senior Lecturer in Public Health, Nottingham Trent University, 50 Shakespeare Street, NottinghamNG1 4FQ, UK. E-mail: mathew.nyashanu@ntu.ac.uk

Abstract

Objective

There is an increasing recognition of the significance of music as a complementary therapy in palliative care. Limited studies exist on how music is used as a coping mechanism by palliative care patients. Therefore, the purpose of this scoping review was to explore the efficacy of music interventions for palliative care.

Method

We conducted a literature search between June and November 2019 in the Cumulative Index of Nursing and Allied Health Literature (CINAHL), British Nursing Index (BNI), and PubMed, which includes MEDLINE. The search identified eight articles which met the inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results

Using thematic analysis, six themes were synthesied to show how music contributes to palliative care. The six themes include Pain management; Relaxation; Happiness and hope; Anxiety and depression management; Enhanced spirituality; and Improved quality of life. These themes reflect the psychological and emotional benefits palliative care patients derive from music therapies.

Significance of results

Music therapy can be an effective psychosocial approach when managing palliative symptoms through its therapeutic effects on physical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual well-being.

Type
Review Article
Copyright
Copyright © The Author(s), 2020. Published by Cambridge University Press

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