Page 341 - Encyclopedia of Nursing Research

308 n MUSIC THERAPy

the music, the patient preferences, and the or type of music, their inability to turn it off
health state. Nurses can assess patients’ when desired, cochlear implants, and cultur-
M sex, cultural background, musical prefer- ally incongruent music. In addition, those
ences, music training, participation in music, with hearing loss may or may not find that lis-
degree of auditory discrepancy, time avail- tening to music is beneficial. Future research
able, and, most of all, degree of liking for the in music may include studies that determine
music under consideration. Variations in the the kinds of music that are effective for health
nature of the health state determine whether outcomes in countries around the world and
music will be used to cheer, encourage, between cultures in each country. More work
soothe, relax, distract the mind, stimulate on comparing symptomatic response with
exercise, or evoke emotions of joy, triumph, physiological response is needed to gener-
resolve, or peace. Studies have indicated that ate theories of conditions in which music is
different kinds of music result in positive effective, how it affects body processes, and
or negative feelings and differences in sero- what effect it has on recovery, immune func-
tonin. Music is economical for patient use. tion, and health.
Tapes, compact discs, and players are rela- Music brings an air of normalcy, enter-
tively inexpensive, and a small library can tainment, pleasure, and escape into a world
be maintained on any nursing unit. Music where illness is often the enemy and both
piped into patients’ rooms also may be patients and caregivers are fighting back.
available. Nurses can suggest that patients Music is an integral part of most people’s
and their families bring in favorite music normal lives and should not be forgotten
from home that is likely to invoke healthy when they go to hospitals and other health
responses. They can refer patients to a music care facilities. With the increased reliance on
therapist if one is available. technology in health care today, music can
There are some contraindications and add a humanistic touch. Beyond the human-
considerations when using music for patients. istic value of music is the therapeutic value
Contraindications include hypersensitivity to in reducing stress, pain, anxiety, and depres-
sound, tone deafness, musicogenic epilepsy, sion and promoting movement, socialization,
and inability to recognize music in some and sleep.
stroke patients. Nurses should consider any
patient dislike for any particular selection Marion Good