Where Words Fail, Music Speaks: A Mixed Method Study of an Evidence-Based Music Protocol

Abstract

Despite numerous studies documenting the benefits of music, hospice social workers are often unfamiliar with evidence-based music practices that may improve end of life care. This mixed method study tested an intervention to teach hospice social workers and chaplains (N = 10) an evidence-based music protocol. Participants used the evidence-based practice (EBP) for 30 days, recording 226 journal entries that described observations of 84 patients and their families. There was a significant increase in EBP knowledge (35%). Prompting behavioral and emotional responses, music was described frequently as a catalyst that facilitated deeper dialogue between patients, families, social workers, and chaplains.

Keywords::

• Hospice
• music
• evidence-based practice
• end of life care
• mixed method

Funding

The study was supported by a research fellowship from the University of Phoenix's Center for Behavioral Health Research.