There is a growing body of empirical research outlining the psychological and physiological effects of live and recorded music interventions in hospitals, for examples see Barrera, Rykov, and Doyle (2002), Cepeda et al. (2006), and Kuhn (2002). However, there is no standardised procedure in the UK to encourage the use of music. This study explores healthcare professionals’ perceptions of music interventions, asking how commonplace different types of intervention are, and discovering awareness of their perceived effectiveness. Willingness to learn more and how to achieve this will also be addressed. It is necessary to establish the views of healthcare professionals as they can prevent or encourage the use of music on their wards. In this study, the term music intervention incorporates four approaches: music therapy; interactive music sessions led by a music practitioner; music performance, where the patient watches musicians play; and recorded music.

The results are presented in three sections: the prevalence and awareness healthcare professionals have of music interventions in hospitals, the effects that practitioners had observed and predicted music interventions to have, and how participants felt more music could be incorporated into standardised healthcare provision.

Figure 1-2.

Figure 1. How common interactive and live music interventions were on the ward. The relationship between these variables is not significant. Figure 2. Healthcare professionals’ experience and the effect of this on their view of music therapy.

Fifty percent of respondents thought “watching a session in progress” would most effectively increase awareness of how music interventions can be used more widely in an acute hospital setting (Fig. 3). This was supported in the follow-up study as observing a session as part of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) would be most likely to change healthcare professionals’ opinions. In addition, 28% of professionals would choose a presentation defining the costs, aims, and objectives of music therapy.

Participants were positive towards having a seminar, outlining the ways music can be implemented, in training (63% definitely or probably yes). Informing students early in their careers would promote patient-centred care complementing the holistic healthcare hospitals aim to provide. In the follow-up study, training was thought the best time to increase awareness. However, bias towards medicines amongst healthcare professionals could prevent this being effective.

In addition, increasing patient awareness of the services available to them was thought to help music in all forms become more commonplace. Those in the follow-up study thought information on displays, flyers, and the staff newsletter would raise general awareness in the hospital. The patient-centred approach to healthcare increases the value of feedback and patient involvement in their care. Through increasing general awareness of music in hospitals patients could request it and eventually expect the service to be offered.

Healthcare professionals who had more knowledge of music therapy were more likely to think it would have a long term effect (Fig. 4), and those who had observed a live music session were more likely to welcome more live music interventions (Fig. 6). In addition, those who had experienced music therapy were significantly more likely to have considered offering music therapy to a patient (Fig. 5). This is supported in the qualitative data as raising awareness allowed staff to form more accurate opinions. Awareness of music interventions, especially through observing a session, was believed by these participants to be an effective way to alter perceptions of music interventions in hospitals. For one participant, partaking in a music therapy session in a hospice setting influenced her positive opinion of the effectiveness of music therapy in a hospital. Another participant had been part of a project to establish art therapy for patients undergoing dialysis. Witnessing the effects of this on patients’ view of their treatment and engagement with the process positively influenced their view of how music therapy could be used with patients suffering acute physical illnesses. However, awareness of music therapy in other settings, such as with children with disabilities, did mean that two participants did not think music therapy would be suitable in an acute medical environment. Figure 7 contradicts the other findings as those who had observed a music session were less likely to believe the effects were long term.

The role of research outlining how music therapy could be safely implemented was shown in the follow-up study. P9 stated that studies should not only prove the effectiveness of music therapy but also discover how music therapy has a positive effect on people. Current research was viewed with scepticism within the scientific hospital environment by these participants. This could be due to lack of awareness of the research conducted but also shows the need for more evidence. However, it was suggested that solely increasing awareness would not be enough as the whole outlook of healthcare professionals needs to be changed. Therefore, increased communication through collaboration is necessary, especially in research.

Fifty-seven percent of participants thought live music interventions, including music therapy, would have a lasting effect with none disagreeing. One overarching theme was the improvement of psychological well-being, which participants felt was important as illness often limits one’s independence which can affect mental and physical health. Participants also stated that interactive music sessions would help release stress, create a calm atmosphere and allow patients to have their own voice, as well as providing structure and community with other patients. This would “build confidence in the patient which they have often lost throughout the course of their illness … making them feel 'human' again rather than 'a patient'” (P24).

Interactive music making was also thought to impact the patients’ well-being, which would improve their treatment and speed up their recovery. Through allowing patients to be active and have a sense of control, they can feel a sense of achievement and self-worth. In addition, involving motor skills was thought to have a lasting benefit (P4). Therefore, interactive music interventions allow the patient to “[feel] empowered that they can take control of themselves … and anything that encourages active participation is a really good thing” (P2).

Sixty-three percent of participants thought interactive music interventions would definitely or probably affect recovery with none saying ‘definitely not’ (Fig. 11). Again the most significant theme was the improvement of psychological well-being as this would have an effect on recovery and well-being. Involvement in music making provides patients with the opportunity to express the emotional trauma accompanying illness and for some, preparing for death.

Forty percent of participants thought recorded music was probably as effective as live music, promoting mindfulness (P6) and relaxation (Fig. 12). There would also be a greater control of the standard of music and a wider range of choice. However, 18% of participants thought recorded music would probably not be as effective as live music due to the lower level of engagement (five responses). Therefore, the type of music intervention could depend on the aim of the session, as “if the purpose is for investing in new things and looking for mainly distraction then participative music may provide something more” (P31).

The qualitative data showed three ways recorded music is currently used in a hospital setting. The theme of patient control over the choice of the music, often utilising headphones, was prominent. This was thought to provide familiarity to the patient when in an unfamiliar setting and allow time for reflection. Some participants also referred to the use of recorded music played over speakers. Whilst some participants had had positive experiences of this intervention, others felt the range of tastes among patients was too varied. Two participants mentioned the role of hospital radios and the ability this has to give patients a voice.

A common theme across responses was the importance of maintaining the individual care hospitals aim to provide. It was thought that music would be more effective with certain illnesses and the aim of the session would depend on the patient and their mood at that time. Therefore, for some patients, recorded music might be more appropriate, with the choice of music giving a sense of control to the patient, whilst for others engaging creatively could be of more benefit. The needs of the individual must be considered and the appropriate intervention provided when introducing music.

This study supports research stating that “music is not used routinely” in acute medical settings (NHS, 2015). The most common form of live music described by the participants was live vocal performances such as carol singing. The lack of live music was thought to be due to the policies and procedures within the hospital and healthcare professionals’ ignorance of the effectiveness of interactive music in acute medical settings.

Responses highlighted the lack of knowledge about music therapy in acute medical settings amongst healthcare professionals. Research has shown that this can prevent the use of music in medical settings (Hole et al., 2015). However, despite stating to have little or no knowledge of music therapy there did appear to be some understanding amongst participants that music therapists work on both a group and individual basis and aim to help both the psychological and physiological recovery of the patient. All participants thought music therapy was effective regardless of their exposure and 39% of participants had considered offering music therapy to a patient. These findings suggest that whilst there is little knowledge of music therapy amongst hospital staff, its therapeutic value is acknowledged.

Increased knowledge and exposure to music therapy had a significant positive correlation with views of music therapy. This supports findings from previous studies (Choi, 1997; Hillmer, 2007; Metzger, 2004; Thorgaarda et al., 2005). Those with more knowledge of music therapy were significantly more likely to think the effects were long term.. In addition, there were significant positive correlations between those who had experienced music therapy and those who had considered offering it to a patient, and those who had observed live music interventions were more likely to welcome more live music. Awareness of music therapy in other settings also influenced healthcare professionals’ perceptions. For two participants, knowledge of music therapy with children with disabilities limited their ability to see how it could be used in an acute medical setting, however, for another, experiencing music therapy in a hospice altered her perception of its therapeutic value. For one participant, witnessing art therapy positively influenced his perception of how music therapy could be implemented. Therefore, the results clearly indicate that increased knowledge and awareness of music therapy positively impacts healthcare professionals’ perception. This suggests that educating hospital staff should become a focus of music facilitators when aiming to establish music in all forms as part of standardised healthcare.

Fifty percent of participants thought that watching a music therapy session in progress would be the most effective way to raise awareness. Findings were also positive about having a seminar during training outlining research showing the effectiveness of music therapy in healthcare settings, which is supported in the literature (Kaempf & Amodei, 1989). However, there was some scepticism about the effectiveness of this due to the pharmacological focus of medical students. This is shown as despite the lack of knowledge about music therapy amongst participants, 64% of respondents were unwilling or uncertain to learn more about music interventions. This could be a result of the time pressures medical professionals’ face, but could also suggest there is a bias towards medicine-focused care, which could lead to patients being “seen as cases, rather than human beings” (Gaynor, 2002, p.5). This supports the finding that attitudes to care as well as awareness of alternative interventions need to change. However, lack of awareness of the research that has been conducted outlining the effectiveness of music therapy could also influence results. Research into music therapy was thought to be less scientific than studies looking at other therapeutic interventions. Making healthcare professionals aware of the research that has been conducted could change this perception.

In addition, the importance of raising patient awareness about the effectiveness of music interventions through flyers and displays was also thought to increase the presence of music in hospitals. The control of the individual over the care they receive is increasing with the focus on patient-centred care. Therefore, if patients are aware and request music therapy to be provided this could in turn expose more healthcare professionals to music therapy. This is supported by Hole, Hirsch, Ball, and Meads (2015, p.1670) who stated that “patients could be encouraged to listen to music through patient information leaflets and hospital guidelines.”

Findings from this study indicate that healthcare professionals have minimal understanding of the research surrounding the use of music in hospitals. However, there was an intuitive sense of where different musical interventions could be implemented. There is a general appreciation of music’s therapeutic value. This underlines the importance of better communication between healthcare professionals and music facilitators, which could encourage music to become a part of standardised healthcare.

Healthcare professionals were likely to welcome more live music including music therapy, supporting findings from previous studies (Choi, 1997). Despite the lack of interactive music interventions in hospitals it was widely thought amongst participants that interacting through music would aid the psychological well-being of the patient, which would have a long term effect on both their physical and mental health, speeding up their recovery. Qualitative themes that were identified included the capacity of music therapy to release stress and express emotions through giving patients a voice; provide control, structure, and community; and create movement and a sense of achievement and self-worth. These findings are supported in other research showing that music therapy improved the mood and lowered the anxiety of patients (Barrera, Rykov, & Doyle, 2002; Burns, 2001; Cassileth, Vickers, & Magill, 2003; Ferrer, 2007) and reduced pain levels (Ghetti, 2011; Madson & Silverman, 2010; Malone, 1996). In addition, studies exploring the effectiveness of music therapy found that these were not limited to the patient but that the families and healthcare professionals found emotional support and the overall medical procedure became less stressful (Barrera, Rykov, & Doyle, 2002; Madson & Silverman, 2010; Malone, 1996).

Whilst the benefits of interactive interventions were acknowledged, the healthcare professionals did not always feel live music interventions were appropriate. Forty percent of participants felt that recorded music would probably be as effective as interactive interventions as it promotes mindfulness and relaxation. It also gives the patient more control over the type of music and the quality of the performance. However, 18% of respondents felt it would probably not be as effective, due to the lower level of engagement. This difference could be explained as responses suggested that different interventions would suit different patients, illnesses, and stages of treatment. It was generally felt that during the perioperative period, recorded music would be more suitable practically and provide a sense of familiarity to the patient. This is supported empirically as findings into the effects of recorded music show lowered anxiety levels of the patient (Biley, 2000; Chang & Chen, 2005; Chlan, 1998), the families (Browning, 2000), and improved the healthcare professionals’ satisfaction (Cruise, Chung, Yogendran, & Little, 1997). Research has also shown the effectiveness of music listening at lowering patient pain perception (Cepeda, Carr, Lau, & Alvarez, 2006; Shertzer & Keck, 2001).

Music therapy and interactive interventions were considered more appropriate for patients with long term illnesses or illnesses associated with greater emotional stress. Again, through collaborating with healthcare professionals it would be possible for music therapists and practitioners to offer music interventions that best supported the needs of the individual patients. This is also supported in the literature as interactive music therapy was found to have greater anxiety reducing effects and patients displayed more coping behaviours (Bailey, 1983; Robb et al., 2008).

The difference between a music session led by a trained music therapist and a session led by other practitioners could be inferred from the results. Those who had observed live music interventions, in most cases not delivered by a music therapist, were less likely to think that the benefits would be lasting. This suggests that whilst ongoing therapeutic interventions led by a therapist were thought to have a long term effect on the well-being of the patient, one-off live performances, as observed by a larger proportion of participants, were not thought to have a lasting effect on the health of the patients. This could also account for the preference towards recorded music that some participants showed due to the lack of control over the quality of the music. If the session was delivered by a certified music therapist the quality of the overall experience would have greater guarantee.

There was a significant correlation between wanting a music therapist on the team and whether believing that music interventions effect recovery. However, results showed that healthcare professionals felt a music therapist should be funded externally possibly suggesting they do not view it as an essential part of care. This supports research outlining the detrimental effects the financial pressures on the NHS are having on the services offered to patients and the quality of their care (Robertson, Wenzel, Thompson, & Charles, 2017). However, some thought that, if its effectiveness is demonstrated, it should be part of the NHS budget. This supports research which shows that as music intervention became more prevalent there was a correlating increase in the level of justified funding (Hillmer, 2007). This is an example of how educating healthcare professionals on how music therapy can be implemented and the research into the cost benefits could alter perceptions. Research looking into the cost effectiveness of music interventions indicates that both music listening and music therapy, in addition to the positive psychological effects, either reduce or eliminate the reliance of patients on sedatives, thereby lowering the cost and the risks of side effects along with the added anxiety this can cause (Berbel, Moix, & Quintana, 2007; Lepage, Drolet, Girard, Grenier & DeGagné, 2001; Walworth, 2005). In one study, the experiment led to the introduction of music therapy permanently in the hospital, showing the benefits of the music therapy not only helped the patient and family but also improved the working environment for the staff (Loewy, Hallan, Friedman, & Martinez, 2005). However, there is contradicting research as Walworth, Rumana, Nguyen and Jarred (2008) found that whilst music therapy had a significant positive effect on quality of life indicators, there was no significant difference in the length of hospital stay or the amount of medication administered, which would therefore have no economic effect.

Although hospital policies do not currently easily accommodate musicians and music therapists, existing structures were outlined that could incorporate these roles. This included being offered on the nurses’ care sheet and as part of cross-silo communication teams. In addition, areas such as the day room and physiotherapy room were suggested as suitable places for music sessions to occur. These suggestions highlight the need for increased communication between musicians and healthcare professionals in order to be able to offer services with the least intrusion to the hospital routine. This supports Aldridge’s (1996, p.59) statement that “it is necessary to negotiate a common language between those of us involved in the creative arts therapies and those with whom we work in clinical practice.”

Establishing generalisability can be difficult in qualitative research, especially in a small study where limited data can be analysed. To allow for a larger sample a mixed methods approach was used creating quantitative data alongside open questions. Utilising online surveys as well as interviews increased the sample size as it required less time and effort from the participant. In addition, the majority of the participants were currently working in one of two hospitals – York Teaching Hospital and Great Ormond Street Hospital. As York Teaching Hospital is a general acute hospital whilst Great Ormond Street specialises in paediatric healthcare, the participants were working with a variety of clients. Participants were also working in various roles and on differing wards which will increase the generalisability of the results to hospitals with differing medical specialities and patient types. The main hospitals included also provide variety as any music provision in York Teaching Hospital was provided through voluntary organisations while Great Ormond Street has funded music therapy. As these hospitals are situated in different geographical locations in the UK, and all of the participants had also worked in other hospitals around the UK, the results can be generalised to hospitals in the UK. However, the data is not representative of the music provision in hospitals outside of the UK.

Another issue is sample bias, due to the busy schedule of the target population only those with a prior interest in music or alternative intervention are likely to respond. Whilst this cannot be avoided, the use of purposive sampling ensured a range of job roles, hospitals and levels of experience were included, making the results as representative as possible. Therefore, the results cannot be generalised due to the small sample, the resources available, and possibly biased interest of the participants. However, purposive sampling and a mixed methods approach made the study more representative.

Structured interviews improved reliability with all participants receiving the same stimuli read from a script which limited interviewer bias. The inclusion of fixed choice answers also increased reliability removing the influence of the researcher in the analysis. Standardised statistical analysis of the quantitative data made the results replicable. Low inference descriptors, such as recording and transcribing interviews reduced the effect of the researcher (Silverman, 2014). The research process and analysis of the qualitative data has been clearly outlined in the methods, allowing for external scrutiny (Silverman, 2014). In addition, quotes were frequently used in the results ensuring that the respondents’ opinions were accurately relayed. In the semi-structured follow-up interview, prompts were used to restrict the interviewer so new topics were only introduced by the interviewee. However, inter-rater reliability was not tested, and therefore researcher bias could have influenced the results.

The main factors undermining the validity of explorative research are the influence of the researcher’s views and the veracity of the respondent’s account. At the time of data collection, the researcher was an undergraduate music student at the University of York. The researcher’s personal belief that music, in particular music therapy, can have great positive benefits in healthcare could have influenced their interpretation of the data. The triangulation of the research, incorporating different forms of data, increased validity as it is “necessary to uncover information and perspective, increase corroboration of the data, and render less biased and more accurate conclusions” (Reams & Twale, 2008 p.133). Analytic induction of qualitative data reduced the influence of the researcher, as hypotheses were thoroughly tested throughout all responses. It was ensured that there was a comprehensive analysis of data and tabulations were created to show the frequency of answers (Silverman, 2014). This increased the validity of the conclusions and allowed the reader to judge them for themselves.

It was accepted that cultural influences would affect the responses, and so results could only be true to the answers given. Having lived in both London and York, the researcher had a similar cultural background to the participants in the study. On the other hand, the researcher has had very little medical training and has little experience working in the hospital setting. Structured and semi-structured interviews were used to minimise the influence of the interviewer which reduces social desirability bias. These methods were used to ensure that the results were as true to what the healthcare professionals thought as possible.

This study raises many questions, due to its explorative nature, and future research holds exciting prospects for the introduction of more music in hospitals. As the culture, gender, and age of the participants was not recorded in this study, it would be interesting in future research to explore whether these factors influence healthcare professionals’ attitudes to music in healthcare settings. Ways in which musicians and healthcare professionals can collaborate effectively need to be defined. The effects of this on the awareness of healthcare professionals and how this alters perceptions should be monitored whilst also outlining practical applications for musicians. A future study could also look further into which disciplines could use recorded music effectively and which could benefit from using musicians. The effectiveness of the different interventions should be explored and the longevity of these effects. In addition, it would be valuable to research differences between hospitals as well as the attitudes of people in different jobs.

Results from this study highlight the absence of live music in hospitals and healthcare professionals’ lack of awareness of these interventions in acute medical settings. However, findings show a significant correlation between increased knowledge through observing music sessions led by trained practitioners and improved attitudes towards music interventions. Therefore, including seminars outlining research surrounding the use of music in hospitals and demonstrating its’ benefits music in healthcare professionals’ training and CPD could alter their opinions. In addition, this study shows how increased communication could also aid musicians as recorded music was proposed to be more appropriate in the perioperative period and the location was thought important to give patients control over participation. Therefore, this study highlights the importance of establishing a relationship between healthcare professionals and music practitioners in order to provide interventions that complement the care that hospitals aim to provide.

Thanks to Dr Tim Howell, Dr Hauke Egermann, and Dr Liz Haddon at the University of York for their guidance throughout this project. Additional thanks to Jessie’s Fund, in particular Lesley Schatzberger, for their help and advertisement of the study; York Hospital, in particular Jessica Sharp, for forwarding the survey to healthcare professionals; and Angelika Parker for forwarding the survey to healthcare professionals in Great Ormond Street Hospital.