Music therapy as an intervention for children with cancer in isolation rooms

Journal/Book: Music therapy. 1989; Philadelphia, PA. American Association for Music Therapy P.O. Box 27177 19118 Philadelphia, PA USA. journal article.

Abstract: Medical treatment for cancer often involves chemotherapy and radiation. Though beneficial in concept, the side effects are many. Prolonged chemotherapy consequently results in susceptibility to bacteria and viral infection, often necessitating that the child be placed in isolation. Music therapy has recently been shown to be effective in stimulating verbalization of hospital experiences, resolving anxiety and fear-provoking fantasies, and aiding more positive affect than other therapies. Music therapy has become a primary intervention for pediatric oncology patients in isolation rooms. Utilizing the Omnichord system Two and various song activities, children are offered a means to participate in interpersonal interactions and shared musical experiences. These encounters support the mobilization of ego strengths and coping abilities, as well as provide a vehicle for the much needed expression of emotions. Four case vignettes illustrate these interventions. ABSTRACT 2 Discusses the use of music therapy (MT) for hospitalized medical and oncology patients. MT has been shown to be more effective in stimulating verbalization of hospital experiences, resolving anxiety and fear-provoking fantasies, and aiding more positive affect than are other therapies. A clinical program is described in which MT is a primary intervention for pediatric oncology patients in isolation rooms. Using a musicomputer of advanced microtechnology and various song activities, children participate in interpersonal interactions and shared musical experiences. MT encounters help to mobilize ego strengths and coping abilities, as well as provide a vehicle for emotional expression. Four case vignettes illustrate these interventions.

Note: music therapy; children with cancer in hospital isolation room; Israel; conference presentation

Keyword(s): music-therapy, children, cancer, isolation, musical-experience, songs. Music therapy; neoplasms ; hospitalized patients; school age children; professional meetings and symposia; childhood

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