Effectiveness and Interventions of the Music Therapy in Patients in Palliative Care

Abstract

Currently, music therapy, as a low-cost therapeutic approach, has been successfully applied in palliative care patients, aiming to improve emotional stress and mood. Besides these advantages, the music therapy can influence the patient to have a better social interaction. In cancer patients, especially, music therapy associated with massage therapy is very costeffective, pointing to the need for the formulation of other nonpharmacological methods. Music is intrinsically related to the reduction of pain, anxiety and stress, as well as a direct relationship with spiritual improvement and quality of life. Music therapy reinforces multidisciplinary care for the patient in palliative care, and may even reduce pain in those affected.