An interesting pilot study:

(A Pilot Study in UK supported from Ausira International)

  Ann Maj Kruse, Hospice Innovation DK, Denmark

Coordinator for the pilot projects: Nurse Ann Maj Kruse in collaboration with local people in each project and Ausira International

Music intervention can be defined as a supportive tool using recorded music in creating a sound environment with the intent to stimulate and maintain relaxation, well-being and comfort; as well as reducing or controlling distress by a self-management technique.

  < Other Ausira Research Projects

Music intervention is a tool that can be used by staff and by the patients - round the clock. Music therapy is "a systematic process of intervention in which the therapist uses musical experiences and the relationships developing through these as dynamic forces of change to promote health and wellbeing in the client." Music therapy demands the interaction of a music therapist and one or more clients - which commonly is not achievable on a daily basis for every patient at hospital/clinic/hospice/at home.

We report the results from a pilot study of 20 patients using music intervention in a hospice setting. The aim of the study is to evaluate reduction in anxiety before and after music intervention. Music intervention is performed using specially selected music and a non-occlusive, patient focused sound delivery device.

• Julian O'Kelly, BA(Hons), Dip MT, MSc , Head of Music Therapy at the Royal Hospital for Neuro-disabilty, London.
• Audun Myskja, MD, NMT, University of Bergen, Norway
• Lars Ole Bonde, MT, FAMI; PhD, University of Aalborg, Denmark - From August 2008 also professor II at Center for Musikk and Helse at Musikkhøgskolen in Oslo.
• Ann Maj Kruse, RN, Hospice Innovation DK, Denmark
• Eva Garland, Former (untill November 2008): Director of clinical services, The Princess Alice Hospice, UK

Hospices and other interested in the study are welcome to contact AUSIRA INTERNATIONAL - contact informations

AUSIRA - website

Ausira International is a ‘non-profit' network based research organisation

PURPOSE AND INTENTION:

The purpose is practical ‘application' - that is the concrete mediation of an optimised sound environment in any relevant patient focused context. That means a documentation of the optimal way in which music can be used in a concrete situation - in a hospital, in another treatment institution or at home.

The purpose of Ausira is, via expert-dialogue, to select and try out the effect of specially designed, patient focused sound - and music environments in connection with treatment of illnesses, and to document this effect, with scientific means.

The intention behind this effort is to optimise a supportive tool for care and treatment, where the use of recorded music promotes relaxation, well-being and comfort as well as reduces stress and pain.

The research is network based
Researchers wishing to make use of the research and knowledge of Ausira can connect their research studies to the ‘know-how' and research tools of Ausira.

  Per Thorgaard, Denmark
Head of Ausira and Head of 1st department in anaesthetics and intensive therapy, Aalborg University Hospital, Aalborg, Denmark.

Those interested can contact leading senior doctor Per Thorgaard, who is the chairperson of the steering group. The other members of the steering group can also be contacted - see the members of the steering group - here