A Systematic Review of Music Therapy Practice, Research Paper Example

Introduction

An article written by Carr, Odell-Miller, and Priebe (2013) addresses the significance of music therapy and its impact on acute psychiatric in-patients to aid in the treatment of mental illness. The study offers a systematic review of literature associated with music therapy and how it impacts patients with severe mental illness in different ways in an in-patient environment (Carr et.al, 2013). This study demonstrates that the utilization of music therapy for severely mentally ill patients is not based upon a specific model; however, it supports the ability to communicate and reach patients at the psychiatric level in conjunction with active discussion, consistency in relationships and boundaries, and the development of an effective therapeutic interface (Carr et.al, 2013). This article is relevant to mental health nursing because it supports the efforts of nurses to develop new ideas and strategies to support patients with various types of mental illness who do not necessarily respond to traditional treatments in the desired manner.

Body

For this systematic review, 98 individual studies were identified and of those studies, 35 exhibited research findings for further evaluation (Carr et.al, 2013). Within these studies, criteria such as music creation and nonverbal expression were evaluated, along with communication skills, engagement, and interpersonal relationships (Carr et.al, 2013). It was determined that when music therapy was used in an in-patient setting for patients with severe mental illness, there was a higher degree of focus on the treatment process and a means of working more effectively with this patient population (Carr et.al, 2013). It was also noted that the increased utilization of music therapy led to greater participation from patients and provide them with a level of support and guidance that facilitated greater comfort (Carr et.al, 2013). In addition, these sessions provided a higher level of structure and focus for patients that could ultimately contribute to a more effective approach to working towards greater stability and optimal recovery (Carr et.al, 2013). The study also notes that additional research is required in order to develop one or more models that will support the expansion of music therapy for larger groups of patients and that will enhance the quality of care and treatment that patients receive to promote greater recovery (Carr et.al, 2013). The primary objective is to develop practical goals that patients will be able to meet and to recognize the importance of nurses in enabling patients with specific conditions such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder to experience some sense of relief and emotional stability that is often lacking with traditional treatment methods that have a limited impact (Carr et.al, 2013).

Conclusion

The interface of music therapy and mental health treatment may be uncharacteristic in many ways, but it may provide a sense of support and relief in the development of an effective interface between nurses and those with mental illness. It is important to identify strategies under which nurses might contribute to improving outcomes for patients with mental illness, such as those with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and other challenging conditions. This practice supports the development of a framework that will support the integration of music therapy as part of a model to enhance the quality of life for patients and to enable them to experience therapy and gain benefits at a higher level. This process supports the development of a model that will improve communication, acknowledge the limitations of current treatment methods, and incorporate the potential benefits of music therapy in bridging the gaps that exist between current therapies and patient needs. It is believed that music therapy may strengthen common bonds and strong emotions that relate to positive and happier times within a patient’s life that may promote recovery and healing.

References

Carr, C., Odell-Miller, H., & Priebe, S. (2013). A systematic review of music therapy practice and outcomes with acute adult psychiatric in-patients. PLOS, retrieved from http://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0070252