Medical Music Therapy for Pediatrics in Hospital Settings

The impact of hospitalization on children and their families is becoming more clearly understood in today's changing healthcare environment. Pediatric inpatient services are focused on children with more critical illnesses, shorter hospital stays, and a culture of family-centered care. This publication clearly exemplifies the role of music therapists and the benefits of music therapy in the pediatric setting. Content is based on evidence from the literature, clinical experience, and strong relationships between the therapists, their patients and families, and the staff with whom they work. Each chapter is geared to a specialized pediatric unit. The information, however, can be generalized to other areas of the hospital. Readers will learn about patient needs and diagnoses experienced on the unit. Integrated throughout are helpful tips and practical knowledge to inform a treatment process that may be implemented within only one session. Case studies illustrate the efficacious nature of music therapy in the medical environment and sample forms provide examples of documentation unique to this setting. The student of music therapy and the professional looking to expand areas of clinical practice, will benefit from the detailed information on service delivery in acute settings. Hospital administrators and medical personnel will gain a clearer understanding of how music therapy functions in the pediatric setting, as well as the benefits of having a music therapist within the pediatric interdisciplinary treatment team. Current medical music therapists will find this resource valuable for program expansion, as supporting documentation of current practice, as as an educational tool for interns and co-workers.