PT  - JOURNAL ARTICLE
AU  - Warth, Marco
AU  - Kessler, Jens
AU  - van Kampen, Josien
AU  - Ditzen, Beate
AU  - Bardenheuer, Hubert J
TI  - ‘Song of Life’: music therapy in terminally ill patients with cancer
AID  - 10.1136/bmjspcare-2017-001475
DP  - 2018 Jun 01
TA  - BMJ Supportive & Palliative Care
PG  - 167--170
VI  - 8
IP  - 2
4099  - http://spcare.bmj.com/content/8/2/167.short
4100  - http://spcare.bmj.com/content/8/2/167.full
SO  - BMJ Support Palliat Care2018 Jun 01; 8
AB  - Objectives Music therapy (MT) holds a promising potential to meet emotional and existential needs in palliative care patients. The aim of the present pilot study was to assess the feasibility, acceptance and potential effectiveness of a novel MT intervention to improve life closure and spiritual well-being of terminally ill patients with cancer receiving palliative care.Methods The ‘Song of Life’ (SOL) intervention was provided on two consecutive sessions containing a biographical interview and a live performance of a song with high biographical relevance to the patient in a lullaby style. Pre-to-post intervention assessments comprised brief self-report measures on life closure, well-being, stress, worry and pain.Results 13 out of 15 patients were able to complete the protocol as intended. The chosen songs were associated with a close person, an important place or event or with a religious belief. The results showed medium-sized improvements with regard to life closure, well-being, relaxation, worry and pain.Conclusion ‘SOL’ proved to be a feasible and highly accepted intervention for patients approaching the end of their lives. Further consideration with regard to the procedures and outcomes is necessary before implementation of a randomised trial.