At Theodor Fliedner Haus, a nursing home in Mannheim, Germany, my main job is to provide music therapy, along with a colleague, to 100 patients with a wide range of diagnoses. My responsibilities include conducting both group and individual therapy sessions, utilizing a broad spectrum of therapeutic interventions.
Yet, beyond this direct work with patients, I would like to also support my colleagues who manage the daily needs of our residents. I think of colleagues who casually walk by or listen to the music we do in the groups and make remarks like, “Now I am also in the mood to work!” Statements like this highlight the profound impact of shaping the work environment, whether through music, the arts, or thoughtful design.
In open music therapy groups at a nursing station, music’s ability to reach different individuals and achieve diverse goals is particularly relevant. Even those who do not participate often mention how they enjoy listening to the music from their rooms. This widespread appreciation highlights music’s potential to enhance the overall atmosphere and morale.
The importance of creating a supportive work environment is further emphasized by recent findings from the World Health Organization (WHO), which reported that at least a quarter of health and care workers surveyed in 2022 experienced symptoms of anxiety, depression, and burnout. This underscores the necessity of interventions that promote well-being among staff.
I am therefore glad that my workplace is organizing diverse offerings to promote the wellbeing of staff. Recently, I was asked to offer a music intervention for staff as part of one of such offers, a “Gesundheitstag”, or “Health Day”. This is a great opportunity to start offering music-based interventions for my colleagues. This event features various activities such as a “Stress check”, a “back check”, a smoothie stand, healthy snacks, an information booth from an insurance company, along with my music intervention.
Music Therapy and Benefits
I have written before about what music therapy is and its benefits.
Music therapy is the clinical and evidence-based use of music interventions to address physical, emotional, cognitive, and social needs of individuals. It is performed by a qualified music therapist who uses music to support individuals in reaching their therapeutic goals.
Some of the benefits of music therapy that are relevant for healthcare professionals include:
- Stress reduction: Music therapy can help individuals relax and manage stress.
- Emotional regulation : Music therapy can help individuals regulate their emotions and improve mood.
- Social connection: Music therapy can help individuals develop and improve social skills, such as communication, teamwork, and empathy.
Why are music-based interventions needed and useful for healthcare workers?
Healthcare professionals face a number of stressors in their day-to-day that can affect their health and performance. Burnout and dissatisfaction in the workplace are common in healthcare and can lead to issues not just for the workers themselves, but for the workplace, colleagues, and patients.
The well-being of healthcare professionals is of utmost importance as it directly impacts their ability to provide high-quality care to their patients. Healthcare professionals are exposed to significant amounts of stress and burnout due to the demanding nature of their work, which can have severe consequences on their physical, mental, and emotional health.
Healthcare professionals who experience high levels of stress and burnout are more likely to suffer from chronic conditions such as heart disease, depression, and anxiety. This not only affects the quality of their lives but also their ability to perform their duties effectively, leading to decreased job satisfaction and higher rates of absenteeism and turnover.
Moreover, the negative impact of stress and burnout can also be transmitted to patients, affecting the quality of care they receive.
The toll in nursing homes is not only physical and psychological but also emotional. Caring for individuals in the last phase of their lives means confronting illness, pain, fears, anxiety, and death.
How can music-based interventions support the well-being of healthcare professionals?
As previously mentioned, music can help aid in relaxation, stress reduction, improved mood, emotional regulation, boost in cognitive function, creativity, and an enhanced sense of community and social support.
Several studies have explored various music-based interventions to aid relaxation, and decrease anxiety, stress, and burnout, among other measures (Lee et al., 2012; Nightingale et al., 2013; Robb, 2000)
A randomized control study by Yıldırım and Yıldız (2022) found that “mindfulness-based breathing and music therapy practice reduced nurses’ stress and work-related strain and increased psychological well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic.”
A systematic review by Finnerty et al. (2022) reviewed how self-facilitated and externally-facilitated music engagement can help to reduce burnout in nurses.
Additionally, Raglio et al. (2020) also looked at literature reporting on the use of music in the workplace, noting that this is a growing field that needs more research.
Some Examples of Music-based Interventions for Healthcare Professionals
Alright, we understand that healthcare workers need interventions to improve their well-being, and we recognize the potential of music. But now, let’s delve deeper: What specific music-based interventions can be offered, and how do they work? For this blog post, I will focus on only a few interventions but know that there are many others out there that can be very effective.
Guided imagery and music
Music often paints vivid pictures in our minds. Combining relaxation exercises with imagery and music, guided by a professional, can evoke positive images that profoundly impact our well-being. One advanced intervention in music therapy is the Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music, which requires specialized training. However, simpler forms of guided imagery and music are also highly effective and widely used in music therapy.
In my practice at the nursing home, I frequently engage residents in guided imagery sessions. For instance, I describe the sights, sounds, smells, and sensations of spring, helping them to immerse themselves in a tranquil experience. This technique can be equally beneficial for healthcare workers, promoting positive imagery and fostering mental well-being.
Music-assisted relaxation
Progressive Muscle Relaxation (PMR) is an effective technique designed to help us become aware of and release tension in our bodies. Originally developed by Dr. Edmund Jacobson in the early 1920s, this method involves alternately tensing and relaxing 14 different muscle groups, systematically promoting physical and mental relaxation.
An excellent example of PMR in practice is provided by Berklee College of Music faculty Dr. Suzanne B. Hanser, a board-certified music therapist. Accompanied by the soothing speech of Annette Philip, founder and director of the renowned Berklee Indian Ensemble, this PMR session incorporates music to enhance the relaxation experience:
Here’s another example of PMR and Music by a music therapist:
In the examples above, we saw the use of main harmonic instruments—piano in one and guitar in the other. Beyond these, many meditation and yoga practices incorporate a diverse range of instruments, such as singing bowls, Tibetan bowls, monochords, and more. While these instruments are believed by some to offer unique contributions to relaxation exercises, there is limited literature on their specific use in music therapy.
Although I cannot definitively attest to claims of these instruments being particularly “healing” or “effective,” I believe they introduce a distinct element to relaxation practices. For instance, I found an interesting video showcasing the use of singing bowls in a nursing home setting:
Incorporating various instruments into relaxation and therapeutic practices can enrich the experience, providing different auditory textures and sensations. While the scientific validation of their effectiveness may still be emerging, their potential to enhance relaxation exercises is worth exploring.
Songwriting
A study by Phillips et al. (2020) investigated the impact of songwriting on oncology nurses and discovered notable benefits for those in the intervention group. Participants experienced significantly less loneliness and insomnia, coupled with increased self-compassion and self-awareness. Although songwriting demands more time and effort, it offers a profound way to delve into the feelings and experiences of healthcare workers.
Engaging in songwriting allows healthcare professionals to explore deeper emotional topics, facilitating a better understanding of their own emotions and experiences. This process can lead to positive outcomes, helping them manage stress and emotional challenges more effectively. By fostering self-awareness and emotional expression, songwriting can become a powerful tool in enhancing the well-being of those who dedicate themselves to caring for others.
Conclusion
As I embark on the journey of introducing music interventions to my colleagues in the nursing home, I am filled with excitement about the tremendous potential it holds. Music, with its innate ability to soothe the soul, has been shown to reduce stress, alleviate loneliness, and uplift spirits. Moreover, it serves as a catalyst for relaxation, fosters healthy coping mechanisms, nurtures social connections, and promotes an overall sense of well-being.
To my fellow healthcare professionals, I extend a heartfelt encouragement to incorporate music into your self-care routines. Even without access to a music therapist, you can harness the therapeutic benefits of music in various ways. Take the time to engage in mindful listening sessions, immerse yourself in the euphoria of live concerts, and allow yourself to experience the full spectrum of emotions that music evokes. By embracing music as a tool for self-care, you can cultivate resilience, find solace amidst the demands of your profession, and embark on a journey towards holistic well-being.
References
Finnerty, R., Zhang, K., Tabuchi, R. A., & Zhang, K. (2022). The use of music to manage burnout in nurses: A systematic review. American Journal of Health Promotion, 36(8), 1386–1398. https://doi.org/10.1177/08901171221105862
Lee, E.-J., Bhattacharya, J., Sohn, C., & 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(6), 409–416. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ctim.2012.07.002
Nightingale, C. L., Rodriguez, C., & Carnaby, G. (2013). The impact of music interventions on anxiety for adult cancer patients. Integrative Cancer Therapies, 12(5), 393–403. https://doi.org/10.1177/1534735413485817
Phillips, C. S., Volker, D. L., Davidson, K. L., & Becker, H. (2020). Storytelling through music: A multidimensional expressive arts intervention to improve emotional well-being of Oncology Nurses. JCO Oncology Practice, 16(4). https://doi.org/10.1200/jop.19.00748
Raglio, A., Oddone, E., Morotti, L., Khreiwesh, Y., Zuddas, C., Brusinelli, J., Imbriani, C., & Imbriani, M. (2020). Music in the workplace: A narrative literature review of intervention studies. Journal of Complementary and Integrative Medicine, 17(4). https://doi.org/10.1515/jcim-2017-0046
Robb, S. L. (2000). Music assisted progressive muscle relaxation, progressive muscle relaxation, music listening, and silence: A comparison of relaxation techniques. Journal of Music Therapy, 37(1), 2–21. https://doi.org/10.1093/jmt/37.1.2
Yıldırım, D., & Çiriş Yıldız, C. (2022). The effect of mindfulness-based breathing and music therapy practice on nurses’ stress, work-related strain, and psychological well-being during the COVID-19 pandemic. Holistic Nursing Practice, 36(3), 156–165. https://doi.org/10.1097/hnp.0000000000000511
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