Music-Based Interventions with Informal Caregivers of Adult Care Recipients: An Integrative Review

Abstract

Music therapists work with individuals with a wide variety of diagnoses, but minimal attention has been paid to informal caregivers caring for adults with these diagnoses. While some evidence for the use of music-based interventions (MBIs) has been presented in primary sources, a synthesis of current literature is needed to inform evidence-based practice. The purpose of this study was to identify what MBIs have been used with informal caregivers, the effects of these interventions, whether the interventions adequately fulfill the personal needs of caregivers as identified in previous literature, and the quality of MBI reporting. Ten studies met the predetermined criteria. Singing and music listening were the most frequently used interventions. Benefits for caregivers include self- and relationship-focused outcomes. The type of benefit (self- or relationship-focused) appears to be related to the participant unit of delivery of the MBI. Future research is necessary to replicate the outcomes of MBIs for informal caregivers reported in this review, and there is a need for increased transparency in reporting.Keywords: family caregivers, informal caregivers, music, music-based intervention

Songwriting Group Music Therapy to promote psychological adjustment in informal caregivers of elderly people with dependency: a mixed methods study

“…These consequences of caring for health must be addressed from a multidisciplinary approach, considering the needs of the informal caregiver. Many therapeutic disciplines can be used to improve their well-being ( Warth et al, 2019 ; Ahn et al, 2020 ), with music therapy being a very powerful tool, demonstrating effectiveness in improving the QoL of informal caregivers ( Clair et al, 1993 ; Clair, 2002 ; Brotons and Marti, 2003 ; Magill, 2009 ; Choi, 2010 ; Kim and Dvorak, 2018 ; Potvin et al, 2018 ; Gok Ugur et al, 2019 ; García-Valverde et al, 2020 ; Valero-Cantero et al, 2020 ; Wilhelm and Wilhelm, 2020 ; Brault and Vaillancourt, 2022 ; Denk, 2023 ; Whitford et al, 2023 ).…”

“…In the few existing studies about music therapy and informal caregivers, songwriting is the most used technique. The studies that focused on the applications of music therapy in group formats with informal caregivers have shown a positive impact on QoL ( Clair et al, 1993 ; Clair, 2002 ; Brotons and Marti, 2003 ; Magill, 2009 ; Choi, 2010 ; Kim and Dvorak, 2018 ; Potvin et al, 2018 ; Gok Ugur et al, 2019 ; Clark et al, 2020 ; García-Valverde et al, 2020 ; Valero-Cantero et al, 2020 ; Wilhelm and Wilhelm, 2020 ; Brault and Vaillancourt, 2022 ; Denk, 2023 ; Whitford et al, 2023 ). However, most studies focus on the intervention of the caregiver and cared-for person dyad.…”