Use of music therapy in pediatric oncology: an Italian AIEOP
multicentric survey study in the era of covid-19.
Abstract
Background: Music therapy (MT) is a complementary therapy
offered to children, young adults and their families in pediatric
oncology and palliative care. We performed a survey to collect
information about MT in pediatric oncology in Italy. The outbreak of
COVID-19 unavoidably changed the scenario of MT, suggesting some
considerations presented in this survey. Methods: 27/32
(84,4%) Centres belonging to the Italian Association of Pediatric
Hematology and Oncology (AEIOP) completed in 2 different time points (T1
and T2) an online survey on MT, before and after Covid-19 pandemia.
Results: Different kinds of music approach were used taking
care of patients in 21/27 centers, while in 14/21 (66%) a specific
project of MT conducted by a music therapist was present. In 6/14
Centres MT activities were delivered for <3 hours/week, in 3
Centres for >3 and <10 hours/week, in the
remaining 5 for >3 hours/week. MT sessions were in
different areas, day hospital or ward (patient rooms, operating rooms,
waiting rooms), on an individual basis or by groups. Patients were
invited to MT by psychologists, caring physician or nurse, or on equipé
decision. MT was evaluated with tools self-made by Music therapist in
11/14 centres. After Covid-19. MT has been withdrawal in 3 centres,
sessions in the waiting rooms were reduced, individual sessions were
preferred and enrollment by multidisciplinary teams increased.
Conclusion: This survey represents the starting platform to
compare and discuss different experience of MT in AIEOP Centres, to
implement MT in pediatric oncology for a more qualified assistance to
patients and to improve quality of care.