Music Among Family Carers of People With Life-Threatening Cancer

Authors

  • Clare C. O'Callaghan PhD, RMT
  • Peter Hudson PhD
  • Fiona McDermott PhD
  • John R. Zalcberg MBBS, PhD, FRACP, MRACMA, FAICD

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.47513/mmd.v3i1.257

Abstract

Family caregivers of people with cancer may struggle as they observe the effects of the illnesses and experience the demands of caregiving amid potential loss. In order to provide beneficial support, health care professionals need to understand factors that promote caregivers’ resilience. This research explored the role of music. Twelve caregivers were recruited and data were collected through questionnaires and semi-structured interviews. Data analysis was informed by grounded theory. Six thematic findings emerged: caregivers’ music backgrounds affect their cancer experiences; caregivers’ use or nonuse of music is associated with how they cope with the patients’ illnesses; music can help improve biopsychosocial and spiritual well-being; music can be used in caring; music may intrude; and music is recommended. Recommendations are that health care organizations providing suppor- tive cancer care might consider offering music-based care and that health professionals may consider inquiring about caregivers’ musical lives to increase their understanding about caregivers’ resilience or vulnerability.

Keywords

cancer, family caregivers, music, self-care

Author Biographies

Clare C. O'Callaghan, PhD, RMT

Clare C. O’Callaghan, PhD, RMT, completed an NHMRC Post Doc- toral Fellowship (2008-2009) after 25 years in neurology, cancer, and palliative care and is currently a music therapist at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre & Caritas Christi Hospice, St Vincent’s Hospital, Melbourne, Australia.

Peter Hudson, PhD

Peter Hudson, PhD, is director of the Centre for Palliative Care Edu- cation and Research at St Vincent’s and The University of Melbourne and has particular interest in developing and evaluating strategies to improve psychosocial support for families affected by advanced disease.

Fiona McDermott, PhD

Fiona McDermott, PhD, is an associate professor with the Depart- ment of Social Work, Faculty of Medicine, Nursing & Health Sciences, Monash University and has lectured and worked in social work for 30 years.

John R. Zalcberg, MBBS, PhD, FRACP, MRACMA, FAICD

John R. Zalcberg, MBBS, PhD, FRACP, MRACMA, FAICD, is the Chief Medical Officer and Director, Cancer Medicine, at Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, and an oncological treatment and research (gastrointestinal) doctor who has received numerous grants to develop arts and music therapy programs in cancer care.

Downloads

Issue

Vol. 3 No. 1 (2011)

Section

Full Length Articles