A description of a music therapy meta-model in neuro-rehabilitation

Barbara A. Daveson
A description of a music therapy meta-model in neuro-disability and neuro-rehabilitation for use with children, adolescents and adults
Australian Journal of Music Therapy. 19 (Annual 2008): p70.
http://go.galegroup.com/ps/i.do?id=GALE%7CA189874864&v=2.1&u=wate18005&it=r&p=AONE&sw=w&asid=21cda6c4e8782a8012d56fd207c478a4
Changes to therapy services in healthcare are constantly shaped and driven by government and professional requirements. Recently, the need for adaptable models of music therapy within neuro-disability and neurorehabilitation, alongside the need to demonstrate outcomes has been identified within music therapy literature. Additionally, the Department of Health has emphasised the need for patient-led and patient-centred care. This paper presents a flexible, tri-pronged meta-approach to music therapy practice that promotes service-user involvement, and allows for the measurement of outcomes through the use of a particular approach to goal-setting. The three approaches of the meta-model (i.e., restorative, compensatory and psycho-social-emotional approaches) are described, and case vignettes of work with those with brain injury and neurodegenerative disease are shared to illustrate how the model can be used to support these treatment approaches. An outline of the development of the model is provided, and comment about the potential challenges regarding the use of the model is included. This meta-model is applicable to practice in hospitals, residential and outpatient settings with children, adolescents and adults patients in neurology, neuro-disability and neurorehabilitation. Thus as a consequence, a response to the need for music therapy that is patient-centred, patient-led, able to be measured and adaptable is shared.