Intersections of the arts and art therapies in the humanization of care in hospitals: Experiences from the music therapy service of the University Hospital Fundación Santa Fe de Bogotá, Colombia

The impact of group music therapy on anxiety, stress, and wellbeing levels, and chemotherapy-induced side effects for oncology patients and their caregivers during chemotherapy: a retrospective cohort study

INTRODUCTION

Cancer is currently the second most common cause of death worldwide and is often treated with chemotherapy. Music therapy is a widely used adjunct therapy offered in oncology settings to attenuate negative impacts of treatment on patient's physical and mental health; however, music therapy research during chemotherapy is relatively scarce. The aim of this study is to evaluate the impact of group music therapy sessions with patients and caregivers on their perceived anxiety, stress, and wellbeing levels and the perception of chemotherapy-induced side effects for patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This is a retrospective cohort study following the STROBE guidelines. From April to October 2022, 41 group music therapy sessions including 141 patients and 51 caregivers were conducted. Participants filled out pre- and post-intervention Visual Analogue Scales (VAS) assessing their anxiety, stress, and wellbeing levels, and for patients the intensity of chemotherapy-induced side effects.

RESULTS

The results show a statistically significant decrease of anxiety and stress levels (p < .001), an increase in well-being of patients and caregivers (p < .001, p = .009), and a decrease in patients' perceived intensity of chemotherapy-induced side effects (p = .003). Calculated effect sizes were moderate for anxiety, stress, and well-being levels, and small for chemotherapy-induced side effects.

DISCUSSION

This is the first study regarding group music therapy sessions for cancer patients and their caregivers during chemotherapy in Colombia. Music therapy has been found to be a valuable strategy to reduce psychological distress in this population and to provide opportunities for fostering self-care and social interaction.

CONCLUSIONS

Music therapy should be considered as a valuable complementary therapy during chemotherapy. However, it is crucial to conduct prospective studies with parallel group designs to confirm these preliminary findings.

Effects of Integrated Music-Video Therapy on Pain and Anxiety During High-Dose-Rate Brachytherapy

PURPOSE

This study aimed to examine the effect of integrated music-video therapy on pain and anxiety of gynecologic cancer patients at different stages of brachytherapy.

DESIGN

This study used a single-group crossover design.

METHODS

Data on 27 patients diagnosed with gynecologic cancer and receiving brachytherapy were collected from February 2018 to January 2019. Participants' pain and anxiety levels were measured four times using a numerical rating scale (before, during, after applicator insertion, and during the radiation). In addition, vital signs were measured three times (before, after applicator insertion, and during radiation). Data were analyzed for frequency and percentage. The normality and homogeneity of the dependent variables were tested using the Kolmogorov-Smirnov and Mann-Whitney U tests, respectively.

RESULTS

Significant differences were found between the experimental and control phases in pain degree during radiation exposure (Z = -1.68, p = .046) and anxiety degree during applicator insertion (Z=-4.42, p = .000), after applicator insertion (Z = -4.85, p = .000), and during radiation exposure (Z = -5.38, p = .000). However, no significant difference was found between the changes in blood pressure, pulse, and respiration at any time point.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings suggest the need to actively employ integrated music-video therapy to reduce acute pain and anxiety in gynecologic cancer patients undergoing brachytherapy.

CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS

This study provides insights into the methodological approaches for implementing integrated music-video therapy in clinical practice, targeting the reduction of acute pain and anxiety triggered by gynecological surgeries and procedures.

Governance models for historical hospitals: evidence from Italy

Many hospitals and health care organizations over the centuries have inherited handcrafts of artistic value, objects of worships, donations from pilgrims, votive offerings, legates as a result of their centuries-old activity in the social and health care of their community. The value of these artistic assets and the role in the territory of these hospitals have transformed them into cultural heritage over time, introducing the issue of the coexistence of cultural and care management. Therefore, the aim of this paper is to identify governance models of what we will call historical hospitals, that is, hospitals that because of their history, their assets, and their artistic heritage, far from being places only dedicated to provision of health care services represent cultural heritage. To pursue this research objective, five Italian historical hospitals were selected and identified as significant case studies for their historic and artistic relevance. Through the analysis of these case studies the paper identifies models of governance of historical hospitals and the reasons of their adoption.

Arts-based therapies, practices, and interventions in health

This collection focuses on creative art therapies, practices, and interventions in health contexts as part of the Mind-body interventions series of BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies. The collection highlights the emerging value of the arts in complementary medicine and contributes to the expanding knowledge and integration of mind-body interventions and creative art practices.

The Effect of Music as a Non-Pharmacological Intervention on the Physiological, Psychological, and Social Response of Patients in an Intensive Care Unit

INTRODUCTION

Music is an intriguing but relatively under-researched intervention with many potential benefits for mechanically ventilated patients. The review aimed to assess the impact of listening to music as a non-pharmacological intervention on the physiological, psychological, and social responses of patients in an intensive care unit.

METHODS

The literature review was conducted in the fourth quarter of 2022. The overview included papers found in Science Direct, EBSCO, PubMed, Ovid, Scopus, and original research papers published in English meeting the PICOS criteria. Articles published between 2010 and 2022 meeting the inclusion criteria were included for further analysis.

RESULTS

Music significantly affects vital parameters: decreases the heart rate, blood pressure, and breathing; reduces pain intensity. The analyses confirmed that music affects anxiety levels, reduces sleep disturbances and delirium occurrence, and improves cognitive function. The effectiveness of the intervention is influenced by the choice of music.

CONCLUSIONS

There is evidence of the beneficial effects of music on a patient's physiological, psychological, and social responses. Music therapy is highly effective in reducing anxiety and pain and stabilizes physiological parameters, i.e., the heart rate and respiratory rate, after music sessions in mechanically ventilated patients. Studies show that music reduces agitation in confused patients, improves mood, and facilitates communication.