Implementing music therapy on an adolescent inpatient unit: a mixed-methods evaluation of acceptability, experience of participation and perceived impact.
Sue Patterson, Michael Duhig, Chris Darbyshire, Robin Counsel, Niall Higgins, Ian Williams
Author Information
Sue Patterson: Principal Research Fellow, Mental Health, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Mental Health, Brisbane, QLD, and; School of Applied Psychology Griffith University, Nathan, QLD, Australia susan.patterson@health.qld.gov.au.
Michael Duhig: Psychologist, The University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Herston, QLD, and; Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, The Park Centre for Mental Health, Wacol, QLD, Australia.
Chris Darbyshire: Registered Music Therapist, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Mental Health, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
Robin Counsel: Nurse Unit Manager, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Mental Health, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
Niall Higgins: Clinical Academic Fellow, Nursing, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Mental Health, Brisbane, QLD, and; School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
Ian Williams: Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Mental Health, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
OBJECTIVE: We aimed to assess the feasibility of delivering a music therapy program on adolescent psychiatric wards. METHOD: We undertook a mixed-methods evaluation of a pilot program. Various active and receptive techniques were employed in group music therapy sessions delivered as part of a structured clinical program. Data collected in interviews with participants and staff and feedback questionnaires were thematically and descriptively analysed and triangulated. RESULTS: Data from 62 questionnaires returned by 43 patients who took part in 16 music therapy sessions, and seven staff, evidenced strong support for music therapy. Patients typically reported experiencing sessions as relaxing, comforting, uplifting, and empowering; >90% would participate by choice and use music therapeutically in the future. Staff endorsed music therapy as valuable therapeutically, reporting that patients engaged enthusiastically and identified sessions as improving their own moods and ward milieu. CONCLUSIONS: Integration of music therapy in inpatient treatment of adolescents is feasible and acceptable, and is valued by staff and patients as a complement to 'talking therapies'. Participation is enjoyed and associated with outcomes including improvement in mood, expression of feelings and social engagement consistent with recovery.
