Music Therapy and Its Effects on Hospitalization and Medical Procedures - Essay Example

Running head: MUSIC THERAPY Music Therapy and its Effects on Hospitalization and Medical Procedures You're The discussion of this research is focused on music therapy and how effective the utilization of this resource is within a hospital population. The research can validate the fact that since music therapy's implementation as a therapy in the health care system it has provided various therapeutic effects to many patients who are suffering with a myriad of illnesses and medical problems in a hospital environment. The validity of this research is given irrefutability by the use of scholarly journals as well as evidence of case studies as well. Also, the rationale for this type of research being carried out was to offer more cohesive insight into how influential this type of therapeutic regimen actually is too many patients within a medical atmosphere, so that it can continue to be an alternative form of treatment. In conclusion the research shows that the utilization of music therapy is far to beneficial to not use as an interventive therapy for patients in the hospital as it has the power of changing negative perceptions into more positive ones which results in far better patient outcomes. Music Therapy and its Effects on Hospitalization and Medical Procedures Chapter 1: Introduction and Purpose The idea of music therapy being an alternative means of therapy for hospitalized patients has definitely grown over the past five years. Much of this is due to the fact that the evidence that has been gathered and identified concerning its effect's on patients is seemingly irrefutable as a means to bring positivism in a patient's life. Its main goal is to bring comfort and relaxation to the patient that is worried and filled with apprehension and anxiety over a medical condition or medical procedure that they must combat. It has also been found to be a great therapy in the recovery period of patients within a hospital environment as well. These various issues are found to be the strongest reasons for the many studies that have been carried out on music therapy among patients in hospital environments, and in fact it is the main reasoning that this coherent piece of literature is being conducted as well. The findings of this research are meant to show that there is a need for this form of alternative therapy in the post-operative phase of surgical procedures, in physical therapy, medical testing, treatment regimens such as with cancer patients, and also the overall recovery period of patients as well. Therefore the gathered data is meant to try and bring validity into the utilization of this therapy so that it will be able to provide persuasion for its usage regardless of any costs associated with it. 1.1 Problems Associated with Music Therapy The main area of limitation that might be associative with music therapy is trying to provide irrefutable evidence that it is indeed an alternative method that places patients in a more tranquil and healing type of environment. Some researchers try to state that it is not as pertinent to hospital patients as other researchers' state it is and therefore there is some controversy associated with this methodology in the health care system. Also the studies that have been carried out on this technique have been relatively small which leaves it facing indecisiveness in regards to being placed as a permanent therapeutic element in a hospital environment. What is being implied is although it is often utilized, there is not sufficient evidence to offer 100 % validity on how effective it is in placing a positive element in the recovery process of patients in a hospital. However, this researcher personally feels that the areas in a hospital environment where music therapy has been utilized (specifically post surgical and rehabilitative) have given credence to this therapeutic alternative as a positive way of reinforcing the patients' perception of the quality of their care and their environment. 1.2 Significance of the limitations within Nursing Intervention Nursing intervention is affected by the varying opinions about this therapy as well. This is due to the fact that it places limits on a nurse's ability to be able to use it as an interventive means in patient care at times. Though the nurse might feel it might be a good interventive therapy for some specific patients the administration might state otherwise which leaves the nurse without the opportunity to utilize the alternative form of therapy. Of course this is due to what has been stated, which is that because of the limits of this therapeutic aid and an unclear effectiveness of its use it is sometimes not considered as a form of therapy in various nursing areas. Matter of factly therapeutic aids are not often used unless there is substantiated evidence showing they are worthwhile and worth the cost of utilization. However, within the nursing profession there has been growing interest in music therapy over the years which means more studies will certainly be carried out to hopefully provide the sustenance necessary for nurses to have the opportunity to bring it into the treatment regimen of all patients that might benefit from it. 1.2 Theoretical Framework of Music Therapy Theorist Model: The integrated theoretical concepts of this research would seemingly appear to be based on more of a philosophical background of it, encircling it within an aesthetic type of interpretation to provide further exploration. This is stated because music therapy affects the senses in a spiritual and cleansing type of sense, as this researcher keenly agrees too as well. The assumed theoretical implication of music therapy is perceived to be the anonymous idea that this type of therapy is a form of healing in not just a physical sense but a spiritual sense as well. Thereby this defines that it holds a philosophical type of implication as well. Furthermore, the theoretical meaning of music therapy relays it as an aesthetic type of experience which is soothing to many patients in a hospital environment. The reason this is stated is due to how music is interpreted as having a gentle quality to it which relaxes patients. This places a strong sense of symbolism into this area in a theoretical context as well. Therefore, not only would this research focus on an aesthetic and philosophical theoretical idea but it would also discuss the symbolism that music projects and the personal interpretation gained from patients in a hospital environment. These are some of the main reasons why the interpretation of it in a hospital environment is one of an aesthetic type of sense as it seems to bring order to the patients' life during a time when things seem really crazy and scary around them. Obviously the symbolism that would be discussed here would be the idea of peace, comfort, and alleviation from stress due to the patients' situation. Therefore it could be assumed to be a life-sustaining, life-producing, and life-enriching process which gives the patient feelings of empathy about his or her care. Researchers of this form of alternative therapy state that it brings in order to restore, maintain, and improve emotional, physical, physiological, and spiritual health and well-being. Scientists believe that different kinds of music interact with the brain to release certain mood-altering chemicals. This explains "why music appears to ease some physical symptoms--like the pain associated with surgery, childbirth and cancer--and ameliorates some cases of high blood pressure, gastric disorders and migraine headaches." (Paul & Ramsey 2000). The patients' response to music is amazing; people who can hardly move suddenly move vigorously to the sound of music. (Paul & Ramsey 2000) Music is definitely more than just notes on a page. Anyone can listen to music, but if one doesn't learn how to feel music, they're really missing out. 1.3 Terminology Aesthetic: within a health care identity this term refers to the beauty people find with the sounds of music, the peaceful qualities, and the aesthetics of music. Philosophical: refers to how a philosopher would view music and its qualities onto an individual. Philosophical understanding is more enriching spiritually than a scientific understanding is. Symbolism: the idea that certain objects represent to individuals on personal bases. For example, while music might promote a purely enriching, life altering movement for some, it might simply be sound to others. The symbolic or symbolism of items are different for various individuals Symbolic: same meaning as symbolism Therapeutic: the quality of healing that a tool in medicine can provide which brings about a more calming and relaxing way of helping the body to heal or rehabilitate itself through therapy Homo aestheticus: tendencies to recognize an art form such as music for more than what it is. It becomes something of an aesthetic sense to those who are utilizing it in a therapeutic manner Existential: A philosophical way of viewing life around us, a theorization on the different aspects of life. 1.4 Hypothesis and Research Questions The researcher does perceive that there are three possible research questions that could develop from this data analysis and the research process itself. These three possible research questions are as follows: 1. What is the main conceptualization in behind the idea of music as a healing influence of patients in a hospital environment 2. Are there any notable physical and emotional responses from the patient that would lead a therapist to assume music therapy is an effective tool in a hospital environment 3. What are the changes that music therapy has undergone in the past thirty years that make it appear to be a reliable form of alternative therapy in shifting patients' moods and interpretations about their health, within a hospital environment Hypotheses: Music therapy has indeed been found to be a worthwhile alternative therapy in providing aid to the rehabilitative process of patients within a hospital environment. This gathered literature does provide the validity to contest that the benefits of music therapy are endless and the patient outcomes are nine times out of ten positive with music therapy as an alternative tool in the treatment of a patient. This research therefore focuses on the benefits of this therapy regardless of the incurred costs because studies have shown that with regard to the cost there is not a significant difference in the utilization of this therapeutic tool compared to traditional methods, again with emphases on the costs incurred. Chapter 2 Literature Review Although it has only been in recent times that scientists have started to document the effects of music, the qualities of music were understood even in earliest times. Music has often been denoted as a form of comfort for those who are in pain, suffering from a form of depression, or who have mental incompetence disorders as well (Seers & Tutton 2003). Furthermore, there has long been awareness that music affects us, even if the reasons for it doing so have not always been clear. Recent research has pinpointed evidence that decidedly depicts this form of therapy as having definite benefits to those in hospitals, retirement homes, 24 hour nursing care home facilities, and within those who suffer from mental and developmental disorders as well (Torre 2003). Therein lies the reasoning why many nurses refute the idea that some health administrators make in regards to music therapy not being appropriate in the realm of health care. This is due to the fact that nurses who work with these patients can see the effects from music therapy in the treatment regimen themselves; while administrators are not present to witness the benefits and milestones in rehabilitative therapy being made and therefore make unjust claims against this alternative therapy and its cost (Seers & Tutton 2003). One of the most essential elements that music therapy brings in the nurses routine of caring for patients is how soothing it is to the patients' state of being (Torre 2003). Also noted is how beneficial it is in the communication process because it calms the patient enough to be able to discuss their options and what is available to them effectively where beforehand their apprehension might have obstructed a clear understanding about their treatment and what their own role in their treatment program was going to entail (Torre 2003). For instance, when assessing a patient's progress in rehabilitative treatment programs, sounds that the patients normally hear without music therapy are simply basic questions and words from the nurses in charge of their care. However, with the aid of music the perception is that it creates more direct and precise communication outlets to assist the nurses enhance the resonance between themselves and the patient in order to promote healing (Torre 2003). Too many, music promotes tranquility and peace of mind for patients who are worried about what is to come for their health condition (Evans 2001, p. 8). It eases their minds and alleviates much of their stress so that they can better prepare for what might lie ahead of them in the treatment of their care while in the hospital (Evans 2001, p. 8). This is of course a positive attribute of music therapy because nurses are well aware of the adverse health complications that can arise if a patient becomes overly distraught and filled with anxiety, especially elderly patients. Torre's study (2003) finds that an innumerable amount of researches denote what makes music therapy so applicable in rehabilitative care is the fact that it is a positive energy source which directly affect's cells, and as has been stated, does promote the healing process (Torre 2003). Furthermore, a statistical number of nurses claim that the outcomes are diverse; meaning that depending upon the health situation of each patient there is relatable differences noted between them which are always in a positive way (Evans 2001, p. 8). These facts bring enlightenment as to why music therapy is an alternative means that is considered to be crucial to the management of care of patients within the field of nursing. The gathered data has defined that music therapy is not only excellent for rehabilitative care but it works wonders in decreasing anxiety within patient populations that suffer from high anxiety in day hospitals before surgery. The research compiled by Cooke et al (2004) details that anxiety in patients before surgical procedures was extremely high without music therapy but once introduced there was an immediate change in the regulated breathing of the patient and in how well they rested before their surgical procedure. Having the ability to calm patients before certain medical tests and surgical procedures helps to improve the quality of care and the patients overall outcome as well. It also reduces post surgical pain so that patients don't have as high of a need for narcotics as they do without music therapy, according to the study carried out by Good et al (2000, p. 208). This is of course what any health care administration would want for their patients in the hospital, at least this is what it is thought they would want. Cooke et al (2004) also determined through the gathered data that demographics and ethnographies did not have any significant relevancy in the utilization of music therapy or the outcome of the patients, so this decidedly showed that music therapy is beneficial to a statistical amount of patients in hospital environment regardless of their race, origin, age, or gender. It is also useful in managing degenerative diseases that progress to stages which develop into chronic patients (McCaffrey & Freeman 2003). For instance, in various clinical trials of elderly patients, music therapy incredibly improved upon the moods, motivation, and increased the feelings in numerous amounts of elderly patients suffering with osteoarthritis (McCaffrey & Freeman 2003). This particular study alone has given music therapy the edge over other alternative methods of therapy as it has shown that it is multi-faceted and resourceful in many areas within the health care realm, especially in hospital settings. Chapter 3 3.1 Research Design The research design that this gathered data will be utilizing will be in a qualitative type of style. The research will be used to validate the effects of music therapy. The way this will be done is through researching past data analysis of previous studies which have been undertaken and then depicting why the evidence seems worthwhile in proving music therapy as a positive means of therapeutic care over others 3.2 Data Collection Method The gathering of the data will be carried out by scheming through various academic journals and deciphering which ones hold the most validity to the subject of music therapy as an alternative therapeutic treatment from traditional methods. Also, personal interviews are another possibility of the collection method in this research. Both avenues would involve data analysis, quantitative techniques, and qualitative techniques as well. Of course other nursing research strategies might be found to be useful as well in deciding which studies would be more appropriate to provide irrefutable evidence into the credibility of music therapy despite costs incurred (which was stated earlier). 3.3 Subjects of Study There will be two groups who will be studied in this research and those are the elderly suffering with chronic pain due to degenerative disease, and also post-surgical patients who require alleviation from pain following surgery. Both will be in the hospital setting. 3.4 Data Analysis A Multivariate analysis seems to be the most logical way to show the percentage of patients positively affected by music therapy. This will be done by showing how music therapy lowered the percentage of patients needing varied intervention methods in the management of their pain. 3.5 Cost At this time the cost of this research is uncertain. 3.6 Occurrence of Limitations The only specific limitation that might occur during research such as this would be in the area of studying the elderly. This is due to the fact that elderly patients are already in a weakened and fragile state to begin with. Therefore the time spent studying the activities and interactions might be limited due to the hospital restrictions. Of course there could be days where these patients simply wouldn't feel like communicating or might be otherwise incapacitated due to being medicated, etc. There are several areas of concern that could interfere with proper data analysis in this group. 3.7 Conclusion Over all the research has provided the logical means of proving that music therapy does provide extensive healing and improved management of patient care. The only problem with this alternative therapy is that the studies are very limited and have not been carried out in a wide berth of areas but rather have focused extensively on the elderly and surgical patients, all within hospital environments. This limits the ability of any researcher to be able to say that this alternative is reliable in multiple areas within a hospital environment regardless of whether it has been used here and there previously. There have been in depth quantitative studies carried out in order to give it the total credibility that it needs to be irrefutable in the treatment of patients in the hospital. Nevertheless, the work that has been carried out has proven it to be extremely helpful in areas of communication, rehabilitation, reduction in anxiety, and in alleviating pain of post-surgical patients. Therefore, to conclude this researcher perceives music therapy as having a strong ability to becoming a very resourceful method of alternative therapy in hospitals within the future. References Cooke, Marie & Chaboyer, Wendy & Schluter, Philip & Hiratos, Maryanne. (2004). The Effect of Music on Preoperative Anxiety in Day Surgery. Journal of Advanced Nursing 52, 47-55. Evans, D. (2002). The Effectiveness of Music as an Intervention for Hospital Patients: A systematic Review. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 37, 8-18. Good, Marion & Hicks, Michael & Grass, Jeffrey & Cranston, Gene & Hui-Ling, Lai & Varunyupa, R. & Adler, Patricia (2000). Relaxation and Music to Reduce Post Surgical Pain. Journal of Advanced Nursing, 33, 208-215. McCraffey, Ruth & Freeman, Edward. (2003). Effect of Music on Chronic Osteoarthritis Pain in Older People. Journal of Advanced Nursing 44, 517-524. Paul, Stanley & Ramsey, David. (2000). Music Therapy in Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation. Australian Occupation Therapy Journal, 47, 111-118. Torre, Mary Ann. (2003). The use of Music and Sound to Enhance the Therapeutic Setting. Perspectives in Psychiatric Care, 39, 128-131. Tutton, Elizabeth & Seers, Kate. (2003). An Exploration on the Concept of Comfort. Journal of Clinical Nursing 12, 689-696. Read More