Music therapy: Innovation during COVID-19

Aim

To reduce isolation, as well as improve wellbeing and self-expression of mental health patients.

Outcomes

The music therapist recorded behaviours that were observed during ukulele lessons including those relating to attention, memory, and self-expression. It became evident that interpersonal communication, focus and empowerment were the most prominent themes that emerged during the ukulele lessons.

Background

Restrictions enforced during the COVID-19 pandemic at Gold Coast Mental Health inpatient facilities would have led to feelings of isolation among the clients. The senior music therapist at Gold Coast Health decided to introduce a new way of working with patients to reduce isolation, improve wellbeing and enhance self-expression.

Discussion

Ninety patients were afforded the opportunity to learn the ukulele during music therapy across a six month period. Twenty-five per cent of patients desired to practice further after the lessons by requesting to keep the workbook. Forty per cent of patients were offered the opportunity to borrow the ukulele after the lesson, which indicated high engagement and motivation among the patients.

Lessons learnt

While objective data was collected by clinicians capturing the nature of intervention and episodes of delivery and perception of patient engagement, it would be beneficial in the future to have a patient feedback form after each session to understand the patient experience.

References

Negrete, B. (2021). Ukulele Class in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit: Support for Parents Before and During COVID-19.  Family Matters, 47(2)