Music Therapy for End of Life Care
Music therapy for end-of-life care involves playing music on a variety of instruments, singing, listening to music, and performing music based on the patient’s preferences. The goal is to enhance the person’s quality of life by relieving or easing a variety of symptoms present during this time, addressing psychological needs unique to dying patients, offering support to, and facilitating communication between, both the family and the patient, and meeting some of the spiritual needs of the patient.
Upon completion of the course, you will be able to do the following:
- Describe the goals of music therapy for end-of-life care.
- Discuss music therapy interventions in end-of-life care.
- Explain music therapy levels of practice in end-of-life care.
- Describe the relationship between music therapy and the spiritual aspects of end-of-life care.
- Differentiate between various cultural issues relative to end-of-life care.
The primary goal of end-of-life care is to promote patients’ quality of life by alleviating physiological, psychological, social, and spiritual distress, while improving peace of mind and providing comfort (Hilliard, 2005). This is accomplished by relieving or easing a variety of symptoms present during this time, addressing psychological needs unique to dying patients, offering support to, and facilitating communication between, both the family and the patient, providing support for coping with grief, and meeting some of the spiritual needs of the patient.
In an effort to provide holistic and comprehensive care to relieve suffering for patients at the end of life, alternative models of care, such as music therapy, have developed in many countries. Research has shown that the most popular forms of complementary therapies used in hospices are massage therapy and music therapy. As a result, music therapy is now an integral part of most hospice and palliative care programs in both the United States and many other countries (Clements-Cortes, 2016; Gutgsell, 2016; Heath & Lings, 2016; Hilliard, 2005; Pavlov et al., 2017).
Music therapy in end of life care involves playing music on a variety of instruments, singing, listening to music, and performing music based on the patient’s preferences to enhance a person’s quality of life by helping relieve symptoms of anxiety and depression, addressing psychological needs, offering support, facilitating communication, and meeting spiritual needs. Trained and board-certified music therapists provide this care.
Music therapy positively affects end-of-life care. The needs of patients often treated by music therapists include the following overall categories (Clements-Cortes, 2016; Gutgsell, 2016; Heath & Lings, 2016; Hilliard, 2005; Pavlov et al., 2017):
- Social (e.g., isolation, loneliness, boredom)
- Cognitive (e.g., neurological impairments, disorientation, confusion)
- Physical (e.g., pain, shortness of breath, fatigue)
- Spiritual (e.g., spiritual or religious connection)
Virtually any health condition (such as chronic progressive illnesses, cancer, AIDS, sickle cell disease, congestive heart failure, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cirrhosis, end-stage renal disease, dementia and other neurodegenerative disorders) may benefit from the use of music in a therapeutic milieu. Music therapists can provide care for patients at the end of life in many types of care environments, including hospitals, long-term care facilities, home care, and hospices (Dileo & Loewy, 2005; Gallagher, Lagman, & Rybicki, 2017).
Music therapy holds a special place for individuals and their families in the process of preparing for death. It provides a way for people who are dying to express what they are feeling through the ability to choose music to hear, sing, or perform. Families who participate together in music therapy find they are often able to transform this difficult time into an experience of creative expression with their loved one (Hanser, 1999).
Complete the course post exam (CE Test) with a score of 80% or greater. Complete all fields of the course evaluation form. Certificate of Completion is provided once the course post exam is passed per criteria above.
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American Board of Managed Care NursingThe American Board of Managed Care Nursing recognizes all of ALLEGRA Learning Solutions' ANCC accredited courses for continuing education credit for Certified Managed Care Nurses (CMCNs).
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ANCC - American Nurses Credentialing CenterALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited with distinction as a provider of nursing continuing professional development by the American Nurses Credentialing Center’s Commission on Accreditation.
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AOTA - American Occupational Therapy AssociationALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC, is an approved provider of continuing education for occupational therapists by the American Occupational Therapy Association. Approved Provider # 3166
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California Board of Registered NursingALLEGRA Learning Solutions is approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, Provider # CEP 14693 for the number of hours stated.
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California Department of Health, Aid, and Technician Certification SectionThe California Department of Health, Aid, and Technician Certification Section accepts continuing education offered by CA-BRN approved providers.
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District of Columbia Board of NursingALLEGRA Learning Solutions (CE Provider # 50-12076) submits all continuing education records to CE BROKER after successful completion.
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Florida Board of NursingALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of continuing education by the Florida Board of nursing (CE Provider # 50-12076). Courses are automatically submitted to CE Broker.
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Florida Board of Nursing - Certified Nursing AssistantsALLEGRA Learning Solutions (CE Broker Provider # 50-12076) submits all continuing education records to CE Broker after successful completion.
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Florida Board of Respiratory CareALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of continuing education by the Florida Board of Respiratory Care
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Florida Council of Dietetics and NutritionALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of continuing education by the Florida Council of Dietetitics and Nutrition
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Florida Council of Licensed MidwiferyALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is accredited as a provider of continuing education by the Florida Council of Licensed Midwifery
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NAADAC - The National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse CounselorsThis course has been approved by ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC, as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, for educational credits. NAADAC Provider #813, ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC is responsible for all aspects of their programming.
0.1
Beginner/Introductory
Domain of OT
October 12, 2020
- Caroline Young, MPH
- Cyndie Koopsen, RN, BSN, MBA, HNB-BC, RN-BC, HWNC-BC
Continuing education (CE) licensing requirements vary by jurisdiction, are not well defined, and may change. These CE requirements may vary in terms of the number of hours required to the types of courses that must be taken. ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC recommends you contact your licensing board or accrediting organization for the latest continuing education requirements of your state or territory. Compliance with CE requirements is the responsibility of the individual health care provider. Health care providers must understand the CE requirements in their jurisdictions, and be sure they are up-to-date on any rule changes that affect their license. For further information, please see our Accreditation Information.
Every effort will be made to accommodate your special needs. To request accommodations, please contact us.
The authors/planning committee members have no conflicts of interests or relevant financial relationships to declare relevant to this activity.
No commercial support has been received for this activity.
Accreditation refers to recognition of continuing nursing education only and does not imply ALLEGRA Learning Solutions, LLC approval or endorsement of any commercial product.
None of the authors intend to discuss off-label uses of drugs, mechanical devices, biologics, or diagnostics not approved by the FDA for use in the United States.
