167 timer på egenhånd: Samarbeid med smertepasienter gjennom musikkterapi for utforsking og utvikling av verktøy for smertemestring

Abstract

Among one in three live with prolonged pain, and there are limited health care services to support their complex needs. Music therapy is a fairly unexplored resource for this population, and research is scarce. The aim of this study was to explore how lasting pain patients experience working together with a music therapist to create music-based implements, and how patients can integrate these in their daily lives for pain management and wellbeing. The method of this study was interviews, with a phenomenological lens. Findings include reports of how increased awareness and exploration in music therapy, the participants could discover new ways of facilitating their music use. They also described a supportive therapeutic relationship, where guidance was instrumental for the exploration of music as a health resource. Participants also reported how their health situation influences and/or hinders their music use. In the discussion the findings were discussed in relation to existing findings of music as reflexive practice, a critical perspective on agency and self-management, and a reflection of continuity between contexts. In summary, this study has shown potential for music therapy to be further explored and implemented as a service for this population.