A post-hoc analysis of music therapy services for residents in nursing homes receiving hospice care.

This study analyzed the use of music therapy for residents in nursing homes receiving hospice care. An ex-post facto design was utilized to evaluate participants' length of life on the hospice program, time of death in relation to last visit by the social worker and music therapist, the number of sessions and total number of minutes spent in direct care by the social worker and music therapist, and care plan needs treated by the nurse, social worker, and music therapist. A total of 80 participants' medical records were randomly selected for this study. All participants were in nursing homes, 40 of whom had been referred to music therapy. Results showed no significant differences on the time of death in relation to last visit by hospice professional, but there were significant differences in the length of life for those receiving music therapy. Females in this study lived significantly longer than males. Participants received significantly more music therapy sessions than social work sessions, and music therapists spent significantly more time in direct care with participants than did social workers. Care plan needs were analyzed graphically and indicate that music therapists meet important needs of participants.