‘The whole is greater’. Developing music therapy services in the National Health Service: A case study revisited

Abstract

This article describes contemporary music therapy practice within Chelsea and Westminster Hospital National Health Service Foundation Trust in London. The authors revisit an earlier article about the service ('The whole is greater than the sum of its parts: experiences of co-working as Music Therapists', Fearn and O'Connor), which described an evolving approach of two Music Therapists based at one Child Development Service, part of Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London. On this foundation, a team of 10 part-time Music Therapists has developed, working across three London boroughs and a number of multidisciplinary teams. This article will look at how the music therapy practice has developed in this setting over the past decade, in order to provide a practical and theoretical perspective for Music Therapists within multidisciplinary settings. Influences that have shaped the service and the wider music therapy profession will be explored, such as an increased emphasis on a goal-centred, multidisciplinary team approach, the changing needs and volume of the children presenting to the service and the consequent development of the music therapy team.

Music Therapists marching, running and playing with the beat: BAMT Conference Plenary Session – April 2016

“…In this essay, I contradict previous assumptions made in a recent paper by Wood et al (2016) which stated:The slow growth of music therapy in the NHS, despite the very active work of professional organisations, such as the British Association for Music Therapy (BAMT), combined with the lack of evidence of any significant sustained increase year on year of Music Therapists registered over the past 10 years may be a reflection of the cost of this [financial] challenge. (p. 45)…”

“…This helped spread awareness within the organisation of the QI programme. Wood et al (2016) suggest that supporting corporate agendas through the use of quality music making (and the arts) is a good use of a Music Therapist’s skills. Projects like this are often a useful way to bring awareness of a Music Therapist’s existence right to the centre of the organisation’s strategic thinking.…”

How music-for-health practitioners’ decision-making processes inform their practice in paediatric hospitals

“…In these ways, music in hospitals supports the needs of patients and their families, running alongside the work and goals of clinical staff, with music therapists and music-for-health practitioners working not only in bays, treatment rooms and by the bedside in the wards (Edwards & Kennelly, 2016), but also in clinics, waiting rooms and public spaces (Preti & Welch, 2012a). Aiding clinical work in the hospital was noted by Wood et al (2016) as a way to ensure the growth of music therapy services in the NHS. Complementing the primary focus of care within the medical model is not the sole aim in this field however, with benefits emerging for the general wellbeing of patients, hospital staff and families alike (Youth Music, 2017).…”

Music therapy for the child or the family? The flexible and varied role of the music therapist within the home setting

“…This intensive short-term block of treatment can be extremely beneficial if well planned and if the ending is prepared for with individuals. It is, as Wood et al (2016) describe, a ‘manageable and productive’ (p. 40) period of time for families with hectic lives full of medical appointments, with the limited time span encouraging ‘a clear focus on clinical aims and outcomes’ (p. 40). Benefits are often seen outside of the sessions during this 10-week period.…”