Developing and using a computerized database for music therapy in palliative medicine

Gallagher, L. M., & Steele, A. L. (2001). Developing and using
a computerized database for music therapy in palliative medicine._
Journal of Palliative Care, 17_(3), 147-54.

ABSTRACT:

The purpose of this paper is to describe the music therapy
program at the Harry R. Horvitz Center for Palliative Medicine, to
present different music therapy interventions that are used with
individuals who have terminal illnesses, and to introduce initial
findings from a pilot study of the effects of music therapy on an
inpatient palliative medicine unit. For the first time, a computerized
database has been designed to evaluate clinical practice by tracking
music therapy intervention effectiveness on common symptoms.
Measurement techniques included visual analogue scales and behavioural
observation. Music therapy was shown to have a significant effect on
common symptoms in advanced cancer patients, suggesting that it should
be included in palliative medicine programs as an adjunct to symptom
treatment.