A content analysis of music therapy interventions to support a good deathe concept in Thai palliative care patients with cancer

Abstract

The aim of this study was to collect and analyze existing research documentation regarding music therapy intervention that may be used to support good death concept in Thai palliative care patients with cancer. The interventions reviewed correlated with the Thai culture context and Thai medical practice. A content analysis method was used to analyse the documentations. The result of content analysis through 16 studies indicated a relationship between music therapy and good death is the relationship between therapeutic function of music and the element of good death. The music therapy intervention that were found to be good methods in supporting good death practice included (1) Instrument playing and/or improvisation, (2) Music listening, (3) Singing, (4) Song writing, (5) Song lyrics interpretation or analysis, (6) Music assisted counselling, (7) Song parody, (8) Song choice, and (9) Music-Meditated active. In conclusion, music therapy intervention was found to be beneficial to Thai cancer patients undergoing palliative care, however, more clinical-evidence based and a professionally trained music therapist is required to support this concept.;