Oncology Nurses' Knowledge and Perceptions Regarding Music Therapy Effectiveness for Cancer Treatment-Related Symptoms in Adults

Background: Music therapy has shown efficacy for management of cancer treatment-related symptoms in the adult oncology treatment setting^1-4; thus, oncology nurses need adequate knowledge regarding this intervention for symptom management. The purpose of this study was to explore oncology nurses’ knowledge level and perceptions regarding efficacy of music therapy for cancer treatment-related symptoms in adult oncology patients.

Methods: This descriptive, exploratory study used a survey design. The research electronic survey was sent via Survey Monkey^® by the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) Marketing Department to a random sample of 1,000 active ONS members who met study inclusion criteria. The 33-item investigator-created survey had 3 sections: knowledge; perception; and demographics. Participants were given three weeks to complete the survey. Statistical analysis included means (SD) for continuous variables and frequencies (%) for categorical variables. For continuous variables, the non parametric Kruskal-Wallis test was used to examine differences between groups’ averages because data normality assumption was not satisfied. Chi-square and Fisher exact tests (cell counts <5) were used to explore relationships for categorical variables.

Results: Participants stated they had most knowledge of the rationale of music therapy for pain, anxiety, and depression. Participants also indicated that they perceived music therapy to be most effective for pain, anxiety, and depression. There was a significant relationship between the nurse’s perception of music therapy efficacy and the nurse initiating a discussion of music therapy with patients and making a referral.

Conclusions: If nurses perceive music therapy to be effective for patients, they are more likely to incorporate it into patient care by initiating a discussion or referral for music therapy. It is important for oncology nurses to have access to sources of information regarding music therapy, such as a lecture by a music therapist, self-taught modules, and teaching videos, all of which participants stated would be helpful sources of information regarding music therapy. Further research is needed with larger samples of nurses and to examine specific factors that impact the nurse’s knowledge level of music therapy.

References: 1. Archie, P., Bruera, E., and Cohen, L. (2013). Music-based interventions in palliative cancer care: a review of quantitative studies and neurobiological literature. Support Cancer Care, 21, 2609-26242. 2. Clark, M., Isaacks-Downton, G., Wells, N., Redlin-Frazier, S., Eck, C., Hepworth, J.T., and Chakravarthy, B. (2006). Use of preferred music to reduce emotional distress and symptom activity during radiation therapy. Journal of Music Therapy, 43 (3), 247-265. 3. Ferrer, A. (2007). The effect of live music on decreasing anxiety in patients undergoing chemotherapy treatment. Journal of Music Therapy, 44 (3), 242-255. 4. Lee, E.J., Bhattacharya, J., Sohn, C., and Verres, R. (2012). Monochord sounds and progressive muscle relaxation reduce anxiety and improve relaxation during chemotherapy: A pilot EEG study.

Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 20, 409-416.