Soothe the Savage Beast: Patient Perceptions of the Benefits of Music Therapy in an Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility

PM R, 2023 · DOI: 10.1002/pmrj.12887 · Published: September 1, 2023

Patient Experience Alternative Medicine Rehabilitation

Simple Explanation

This study investigates how patients in inpatient rehabilitation facilities (IRFs) perceive music therapy (MT). It looks at their knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about MT to see if these perceptions might prevent MT from being used more widely. The study found that most patients have a neutral to favorable view of MT, suggesting that patient perceptions are likely not a major obstacle to its adoption in IRFs. Younger and more educated patients tend to have a more positive view of MT. The research also indicates that increasing patients' knowledge about MT could further improve their attitudes and beliefs, potentially leading to greater acceptance and use of MT as part of their rehabilitation.

Study Duration

3 Months

Participants

119 English-speaking adult patients

Evidence Level

Cross-sectional survey

Key Findings

1
Most patients (79.8%) scored in either the favorable or neutral ranges regarding music therapy.
2
Age correlated negatively with total score, indicating that younger patients had more positive perceptions of music therapy.
3
Higher education level correlated positively with total score, suggesting that more educated patients had more favorable views of music therapy.

Research Summary

The study assessed patient favorability toward music therapy (MT) in an inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF) across three impairment categories, finding that patients generally have a neutral to favorable view of MT. Younger and more educated patients demonstrated higher knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about MT, suggesting these demographics are more receptive to MT interventions. Increasing patient knowledge about MT may improve their attitudes and beliefs, potentially leading to wider adoption, funding, and healthcare reimbursement for MT services.

Practical Implications

Targeted Education

Develop educational materials to increase patient knowledge and awareness about the benefits of music therapy, particularly for older adults.

Personalized Recommendations

Physicians should consider recommending music therapy to younger, more educated patients who may be more willing to engage in such interventions.

Advocacy and Policy

Use the findings to support advocacy efforts for increased funding, healthcare reimbursement, and broader implementation of music therapy in IRF settings.

Study Limitations

1
The study population was relatively small and geographically limited, potentially affecting the generalizability of the results.
2
Spanish-speakers were not included due to a lack of validation of the GCAMTA in Spanish.
3
Patients with significant cognitive impairment in the brain injury group were excluded, potentially biasing the results.

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