A critical realist evaluation of a music therapy intervention in palliative care.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Music therapy is increasingly used as an adjunct therapy to support symptom management in palliative care. However, studies to date have paid little attention to the processes that lead to changes in patient outcomes. To fill this gap, we examined the processes and experiences involved in the introduction of music therapy as an adjunct complementary therapy to palliative care in a hospice setting in the United Kingdom (UK).

Methods

Using a realistic evaluation approach, we conducted a qualitative study using a variety of approaches. These consisted of open text answers from patients (n = 16) on how music therapy helped meet their needs within one hospice in Northern Ireland, UK. We also conducted three focus groups with a range of palliative care practitioners (se

SUBMITTER: Porter S 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5723094 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Dec

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature