Medical School, Mayo Clinic Alix School of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA.
Mayo Clinic Hospice, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA.
Am J Hosp Palliat Care. 2025 Jan;42(1):102-111. doi: 10.1177/10499091241237991. Epub 2024 Mar 19.
Music therapy (MT) offers benefits of improved symptom relief and quality of life at the end of life, but its impact on hospice patients and caregivers needs more research. To assess the impact of MT intervention on symptom burden and well-being of hospice patients and caregivers. A total of 18 hospice patients, selected based on scores ≥4 on the revised Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS-r) items on pain, depression, anxiety, or well-being, participated in MT sessions provided by a board-certified music therapist. Over a period of 2-3 weeks, 3-4 MT sessions were conducted for each. Patient Quality of life (QOL) was assessed using the Linear Analogue Self-Assessment (LASA). Depression and anxiety were measured with the Patient Health Questionnaire-4 (PHQ-4). For the 7 caregivers enrolled, stress levels were measured using the Pearlin role overload measure and LASA. Patients reported a reduction in symptom severity and emotional distress and an increase in QOL. All patients endorsed satisfaction with music therapy, describing it as particularly beneficial for stress relief, relaxation, spiritual support, emotional support, and well-being. Scores on overall QOL and stress were worse for caregivers. This study provides evidence that MT reduces symptom burden and enhances the quality of life for hospice patients. Hospice patients and their caregivers endorsed satisfaction with MT. Given the benefits observed, integrating MT into hospice care regimens could potentially improve patient and caregiver outcomes. Larger studies should be conducted to better assess the impact of MT in this population.
音乐治疗（MT）在生命末期提供改善症状缓解和生活质量的益处，但它对临终关怀患者和护理人员的影响需要更多的研究。评估 MT 干预对临终关怀患者和护理人员的症状负担和幸福感的影响。共有 18 名临终关怀患者，根据修订后的埃德蒙顿症状评估系统（ESAS-r）中疼痛、抑郁、焦虑或幸福感项目的得分≥4 进行选择，参与了由 board-certified 音乐治疗师提供的 MT 疗程。在 2-3 周的时间内，每个患者进行 3-4 次 MT 疗程。患者的生活质量（QOL）使用线性模拟自我评估（LASA）进行评估。抑郁和焦虑使用患者健康问卷-4（PHQ-4）进行测量。对于纳入的 7 名护理人员，使用 Pearlin 角色过载量表和 LASA 测量压力水平。患者报告症状严重程度和情绪困扰减轻，生活质量提高。所有患者都对音乐治疗表示满意，称其特别有助于缓解压力、放松、精神支持、情感支持和幸福感。护理人员的总体 QOL 和压力得分更差。这项研究提供了证据，表明 MT 减轻了临终关怀患者的症状负担并提高了他们的生活质量。临终关怀患者及其护理人员对 MT 表示满意。鉴于观察到的益处，将 MT 纳入临终关怀护理方案可能会改善患者和护理人员的结局。应进行更大规模的研究，以更好地评估 MT 在这一人群中的影响。
