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

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Nyashanu, M. ORCID: 0000-0002-9231-0393, Ikhile, D. ORCID: 0000-0002-4343-1674 and Pfende, F., 2020. Exploring the efficacy of music in palliative care: a scoping review. Palliative and Supportive Care. ISSN 1478-9515

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Official URL: https://doi.org/10.1017/s1478951520001042

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.

Item Type:

Journal article

Publication Title:

Palliative and Supportive Care

Creators:

Nyashanu, M., Ikhile, D. and Pfende, F.

Publisher:

Cambridge University Press

Date:

13 October 2020

ISSN:

1478-9515