The impact of music therapy in adult palliative care: a thematic analysis of perspectives held by interdisciplinary team members working on an inpatient palliative care team

Abstract

This study explored interdisciplinary team members’ perspectives on the impact of music therapy in adult palliative care within a hospital setting. The purpose of the study was to examine how their perspectives on the impact of music therapy on patients and caregivers, and how that impact their own clinical practice and well-being. Semi-structured interviews were conducted. An inductive thematic analysis was utilized to analyze the data collected from the participants, including a nurse practitioner, a physician, social worker, and a chaplain. Four key themes emerged: (A) music therapy enhances patient and family care in palliative care, (B) music therapy strengthens interdisciplinary team members’ practice in palliative care, (C) music therapy as a transformative space in the hospital environment, and (D) conditions that shape the impact of music therapy. Each theme is further divided into subthemes that illustrate the multidimensional impact of music therapy in palliative care. These results underscore the importance of including music therapists as part of the interdisciplinary team to advance holistic and sustainable palliative care. Further research is required to deepen the understanding of the implications of music therapy within interdisciplinary teams. Keywords: Music therapy, palliative care, interdisciplinary team, interdisciplinary collaboration, integrative medicine, hospital