| dc.description.abstract | Abstract of critical commentary:
This critical commentary aims to contextualise the research which is presented in the article Heartfelt Listening: Paediatric patients’ experience of listening to heartbeats as part of music therapy as support for invasive procedures. Firstly, a literature review will be presented as a theoretical framework for the study. This presents research and literature regarding music therapy as procedural support in a paediatric medical setting, and subsequentially, procedural anxiety, patient- and family-centred care, and the Heartfelt Listening Intervention. Secondly, a more detailed presentation and description of methodology will be presented, as well as critical and ethical considerations regarding the chosen methodology. Thirdly, the study’s relevance and impact to the field of research will be presented and discussed, by comparing the findings from this study to relevant and existing theories and research, thereby either questioning or confirming the findings of existing research. Lastly, based on the findings of this study, and how these compare to previous research, implications for further research will be suggested.
Abstract of article:
Introduction: Anxiety and pain are currently underminded in paediatri medical outpatient units, and there is a significant increase in pharmacological sedation as procedural anxiety management. This has led to a demand to decrease procedural sedation by implementing nonpharmacological interventions, as procedural support to redure pain and anxiety during medical procedures.
Method: Through a qualitative case study approach, this study explored the lived experiences of two paediatric outpatients and their parents of music therapy and the heartfelt Listening intervention as procedural support, through five music therapy sessions, one or more invasive procedures and subsequent interviews. These sessions incorporated heartbeat recordings, live music, and breathing exercises to music therapy practices aimed at enhancing the participants’ experience of invasive procedures.
Findings: While patients displayed varied responses to the music and breathing exercises, overall, the intervention fostered a sense of safety and emotional comfort, particularly evident in enhanced communication and planning for the procedures. Additionally, the study highlights the therapeutic relationship's role in supporting both children and their caregivers before, during and after medical interventions.
Discussion: The integration of music therapy and the HLI offers significant potential to improve paediatric care by providing emotional support and reducing procedural anxiety. This research contributes to the growing body of evidence supporting innovative, non-pharmacological interventions in paediatric medical settings, suggesting further exploration into bio-guided music therapy and its long-term benefits in procedural support. | |
