Music in health care continuum: A guide to our practices within a large hospital system in the United States

Περίληψη

Music is increasingly recognized as a potent tool in healthcare, providing both therapeutic and environmental benefits. However, inconsistent terminology and varying levels of integration have created confusion among healthcare teams. This article addresses the need for standardized vocabulary to enhance collaboration among multidisciplinary teams and clarify the diverse roles of music in patient care.

Based on a review of literature and hospital programming, we define six categories: Music Therapy Guided Programming (MTGP), Music Experiences (ME), Music Integration (MI), Music Medicine (MM), Music-Assisted Interventions (MAIs), and Music Therapy (MT). These categories form a continuum from clinical to non-clinical, differentiated by engagement level, provider role, training requirements, and impact on patient care. The proposed continuum serves as a shared framework for interdisciplinary collaboration, clearly delineating the roles of music therapists, nurses, physicians, artists-in-residence, and volunteers. This delineation reduces role confusion and ensures the appropriate and safe utilization of services. This model facilitates clinical decision-making by aligning interventions with patient acuity and therapeutic objectives.

Additionally, the framework supports administrators in developing policies, staffing models, and funding strategies that prioritize patient safety and professional standards, advocating for the thoughtful allocation of resources and the integration of music services within institutional care plans. We encourage healthcare leaders and arts-in-health professionals to evaluate the use of music in their organizations and explore collaborative, educational, and research opportunities.

By offering a comprehensive overview of various music interventions, this paper aims to provide clarity on the multifaceted role of music in healthcare, guiding providers in selecting appropriate approaches tailored to patient needs. The proposed framework aims to enhance the integration of music therapy and related practices, promote advocacy for music’s inclusion in care plans, and foster a collaborative approach to delivering music-based interventions across healthcare settings.