Pediatric Palliative Music Therapy: Pain, Distress, and Contentment in Children With Developmental Delays Associated With Life-threatening Severe Neurological Impairment

Journal

Canadian Journal of Music Therapy

Year

2017

Abstract

Children with life-threatening severe neurological impairment due to neurodegeneration, brain injury, gene-based conditions, or metabolic diseases are at high risk of pain and other symptoms and are often unable to communicate their needs. They may receive music therapy to aid in symptom management, but best practices for this population are not well established. The purpose of this investigation was to explore the effectiveness of live music therapy and vibroacoustic music therapy on reducing pain and distress and on increasing contentment. This mixed-methods exploratory study used a randomized within-subjects, crossover and multiple case study design. Participants were children ages 3 to 15, diagnosed with life-threatening severe neurological impairment, assessed as having a cognitive functioning level of one year or less. Data from the Non-Communicating Children’s Pain Checklist– Revised and the Disability Distress Assessment Tool indicated low baseline pain and distress scores and high baseline contentment scores, creating a ceiling effect. However, behavioural observations revealed qualitative differences between responses to the two interventions, which were not captured through standardized measures. Recommendations include (1) the development of measurement tools that extend beyond negative symptoms in order to evaluate positive responses indicative of improved quality of life and (2) clinical research connecting behavioural cues with treatment objectives and corresponding music therapy interventions.

Music and Health Institute Terms

Behavioral State; Children; Distress; Music Therapy; Neurodegenerative Disorders; Pain Management and Control; Palliative Care; Quality of Life; Symptom Management; Traumatic Brain Injury

Indexed Terms

Psychology; Pain; Pediatrics; Quality of life; Distress; Caregivers; Children & youth; Palliative care; Traumatic brain injury; Vocal music; Disease; Brain research; Contentment; Disability; Enzymes; Gastroesophageal reflux; Metabolic disorders; Neurodegeneration; Population

Study Type

Mixed Methods; Randomized Controlled; Trial; Quantitative Methods

Document Type

Article

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