Literature Review
All posts tagged with “Clinical News | Music.”
Rabbi Benjamin Shalva brings comfort, music to hospice patients
11/07/24 at 03:00 AMRabbi Benjamin Shalva brings comfort, music to hospice patients Baltimore Jewish Times; by Ellen Braunstein; 11/6/24 Jewish songs and prayers offer comfort to individuals nearing the end of their lives and their grieving families. That’s just one of the impromptu services offered by Rabbi Benjamin Shalva, a Jewish musician and chaplain at Gilchrist Hospice Care in Baltimore. He oversees the care and support for Jewish patients and families who come into hospice through Gilchrist, a nonprofit provider of serious illness and end-of-life care. He also manages rabbinic services. “We help guide families and patients on how to approach the end of life in a meaningful and Jewish way,” said Shalva, who joined Gilchrist two and a half years ago. The 48-year-old Pikesville resident said he brings a guitar and the practice of meditation and mindfulness to patients and families. “It really provides a sphere of comfort and healing in a space that might otherwise be very difficult for folks,” Shalva said.
Creating death box eases stress, brings 'peace of mind' to those left behind
10/31/24 at 03:00 AMCreating death box eases stress, brings 'peace of mind' to those left behind BradfordToday.ca, Canada; by Andrew Philips; 10/26/24 Creating a death box might sound like sort of a morbid thing to do, but it’s vitally important. That’s according to Tammy Vaters, supportive care coordinator at Hospice Huronia-Tomkins House, ... who leads upcoming workshops on creating a death box or a “legacy box or final wishes box” for those uncomfortable with the more succinct terminology ["death box"]. ... Besides end-of-life wishes, Vaters says the box can include photos that someone would like displayed at a celebration of life or similar offering along with personalized letters to family and friends and personal mementos that have special meaning. “It gives you more opportunities of expressing how you feel about somebody,” she says, noting the boxes should also contain usernames and passwords that may aid one's loved ones after death. “They can be more thoughtful and personal.” Vaters, who is a specialist in thanatology (the study of death, dying and bereavement), says people will often use another term for death.
Terminally ill Illinois woman meets her idol, Jelly Roll
10/30/24 at 03:00 AMTerminally ill Illinois woman meets her idol, Jelly Roll NBC WETM 18, Elmira, IL; by Taylor Harris; 10/27/24 An Illinois woman battling terminal cancer fulfilled the dream of a lifetime Wednesday — meeting country music sensation Jelly Roll. Keita Miller, of Granite City, was diagnosed with a terminal illness in February 2022 and given just months to live. She has defined the odds, and now she’s been able to meet her musical hero, country star Jelly Roll. Her favorite Jelly Roll song is “Son Of A Sinner,” and she says his music has been a source of comfort during her illness. But more than just meeting the artist, Miller had one special request. ... The James Bess Foundation, a nonprofit that grants dreams to adults from 21 to 65 years old who are battling terminal illness, is making this dream come true.
Poetry, again, confronts death
10/22/24 at 02:00 AMPoetry, again, confronts death JAMA; by Rafael CAmpo, MD, MA; 10/16/24Poetry can help physicians in many ways at the border between life and death. Though we might think first of the consoling power of elegy in confronting mortality, other poems, like “Again,” [referenced] aid us in wrestling with what death is in the first place—and are even more useful when research falls short in attempting to demystify it. One such scientific controversy surrounds in-hospital resuscitation, especially for older adults, with studies showing inconsistent rates of meaningful survival after these potentially life-saving interventions, confounded by the physical and emotional trauma that accompanies them, poor understanding of patients’ and families’ wishes, unclear definitions of “meaningful,” and varying patient selection criteria. [The poem titled] “Again” distills some sense out of this complexity as only poetry can, with the urgent repetition of “again” expressing the ingrained imperative to act when patients experience cardiac arrest while echoing both the many previous resuscitations hospital staff well remember, along with the 2-beat, up-down muscle memory of performing chest compressions. ... Thus, a reflexive, futile endeavor becomes a human being’s dying moment, allowing us to feel closure. Debates around in-hospital resuscitation suddenly quieted, we recognize life’s inevitable finality, underscored by the poem’s ironically dignified resignation in its concluding line: “Never again did you wake.”Editor's note: Click here to access the poem, "Again."
Music therapist helps patients navigate end-of-life journey on Long Island
10/17/24 at 03:15 AMMusic therapist helps patients navigate end-of-life journey on Long Island CBS New York / YouTube; by Jenna DeAngelis; 10/15/24 Music therapy helps with emotional and physical health, and now the healing power of music is being brought to hospice patients on Long Island.
Celebrate patients’ creativity
09/27/24 at 03:00 AMCelebrate patients’ creativity ehospice; by Fair Havens Hospice, United Kingdom; 9/23/24 Fair Havens hospice recently held an inspiring art exhibition to showcase patients’ artwork produced during a range of wellbeing sessions. The exhibition at Fair Havens hospice in Prittlewell, Southend-on-Sea, showcased over 30 pieces of artwork, including acrylics and watercolours to embroidery and creative writing, all created by patients living with incurable illnesses. There was also the opportunity for people to get creative and take part in activities such as pebble painting and memory box decorating. The artwork on show had all been created by adults supported by the hospices’ Wellbeing Team through various creative therapy workshops and one-to-one sessions. ... Amongst some of the artwork were collages created in the ‘I AM’ workshop, which aimed to provide a space for patients to reflect on the things that are most important to them and express this using colour, textures, and words.
Artists on death, grief, and cancer [Honoring Hispanic Heritage Month]
09/19/24 at 03:00 AM[Honoring Hispanic Heritage Month] Artists on death, grief, and cancer Burnaway; by Carolina Ana Drake; 9/17/24... Living in Miami and raising my toddler in this city, I’ve discovered artists who similarly lost a parent to cancer. Many, like me, happen to be the children of immigrants. Their works exemplify challenging, at times experimental, art that doesn’t fit the glitzy, market-driven Miami narrative. Through conversations and email exchanges, I learned more about how these artists transformed the darkness and grief of that period into something beautiful that is worth sharing with others. [Click on the title's link to see photos from the following exhibits.]
Indiana music therapy specialists talk about the practice
09/13/24 at 03:00 AMIndiana music therapy specialists talk about the practice BallStateDailyNews.com; by Hannah Amos; originally posted 9/3/24, distributed 9/12/24 The strum of a guitar, the hum of a voice and the steady beat of a drum makes more than just music. It provides a way for people to work through their emotions. Kirby Gilliam, owner and founder of Plainsong Music Services in Anderson, Indiana, said she noticed music creates a safe space. ... [She] uses different techniques: expressive, receptive, recreated and the ISO principle. Expressive music therapy is when the patient makes music. The receptive technique is when the therapist makes music and the patient listens. Recreated is when patients sing songs made by other artists. Finally, the ISO principle is when the music matches the patient’s mood, and through music, they shift the mood in a positive direction, Gilliam said. “Music therapy is an evidence-based field, based and rooted in science and research,” Gilliam said. “If it didn't have the evidence base, it would be more like hippie-dippy and anecdotal … The why is [that] music opens up your entire brain — all of the pathways.” ... Another worker at Plainsong is Hospice Coordinator Kinsey Lavy, who primarily works with geriatrics and individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Editor's note: For a book specific to music therapy and music for hospice and grief care, with practical uses by mental health practitioners, I invite you to examine my book, Music of the Soul - Composing Life Out of Loss, published in Routledge's Series in Death, Dying and Bereavement, edited by Robert A. Neimeyer.
Bittersweet bouquet: Hospice worker transforms her grief into a garden of memories
09/09/24 at 03:00 AMBittersweet bouquet: Hospice worker transforms her grief into a garden of memories ABC 13, Grand Rapids, MI; by Matt Gard; 9/5/24For the most part, Kaitlyn Dawson’s desk at the Emmanuel Hospice office is exactly what you’d expect it to be. On her left, she has office supplies, ... but it’s what’s on the wall over her left shoulder that really gives this workspace character. Inside three separate picture frames are hundreds of flowers. Kaitlyn was an art major at Grand Valley State University before she switched to social work, and she still has a passion for creativity. Every one of those flowers – whether red, purple or orange - was her creation. ... “These flowers represent patients that I have been able to be a part of their journey at end of life,” said Kaitlyn, who has worked in hospice for about four years. “I had one particular case that was really difficult, and I remember leaving that visit and thinking ‘I'm going to start doing this process in honor of her.’ And I went to the store and I bought pencils and a notebook and decided I was going to do flowers. It was easy. It was simple. It was something I could sit down and do in the evening, and if I lost a couple of people that day, I could draw a couple of flowers.” Before Kaitlyn knew it, she had a "bittersweet bouquet."
Exploring AI-powered music therapy as a solution to chronic pain management and the opioid crisis
08/09/24 at 03:00 AMExploring AI-powered music therapy as a solution to chronic pain management and the opioid crisisNeurologyLive; by Neal K. Shah; 8/6/24While the opioid crisis continues to ravage communities across America, many with chronic pain are in dire need of solutions. As a result, healthcare providers and researchers are urgently seeking alternative treatments for chronic pain management. One innovative solution is the use of music therapy, particularly when enhanced by artificial intelligence (AI) and neurotechnology. This combination could offer a powerful, non-pharmacological intervention to help millions of Americans suffering from chronic pain while potentially reducing opioid dependence.
Patient outcomes of a virtual reality-based music therapy pilot in palliative care
08/03/24 at 03:15 AMPatient outcomes of a virtual reality-based music therapy pilot in palliative care Palliative Medicine Reports; by Adreanne Brungardt, Angela Wibben, Prajakta Shanbhag, Debra Boeldt, Jeanie Youngwerth, Amanda Tompkins, Abigail J Rolbiecki, Heather Coats, A Blythe LaGasse, Jean S Kutner, Hillary D Lum; 7/19/24 Hospitalized patients with palliative care needs often have high levels of physical and psychological symptom distress. Virtual reality (VR) with a music therapy intervention may improve physical and psychological symptoms. Results: Seventeen patients completed VR-MT (range 20-79 years of age, 59% women). Moderate clinical improvements were observed for total ESAS-r score (Cohen's d effect size, 0.68), physical distress subscale (0.52), and psychological distress subscale (0.60); small improvements were observed in total MQOL-r score (0.26) and the existential subscale (0.27). Health care team members described the value of VR-MT as facilitating meaningful conversations.
Sasha McAllum Pilkington on grace and storytelling at the end of life
07/25/24 at 03:00 AMSasha McAllum Pilkington on grace and storytelling at the end of life Psychotherapy.net; by Lawrence Rubin; 7/22/24 Narrative Clinician, Sasha McAllum Pilkington [of New Zealand], shares poignant stories she co-created with hospice clients which honor and celebrate their lives. [This interview includes: ...]
Children experiencing grief can build coping skills with library storytime
07/16/24 at 03:00 AMChildren experiencing grief can build coping skills with library storytime The Mountaineer, Waynesville, NC; by Jennifer Stuart; 7/13/24 Seasons of Grief Storytime will be held at 3 p.m. Sunday, July 21, at the Canton Branch of the Haywood County Public Library. This is a story time that aims to reach out to children experiencing grief, being held in partnership with Haywood Hospice and Palliative Care. The group will read a story and create a personalized keepsake. It is a program ideal for ages 5-10. The program is free, but registration is required.Editor's Note: This simple, meaningful support for children can be replicated easily with other local libraries, schools, community/faith groups.
Integrative oncology for patients with lung cancer: A prospective pragmatic controlled trial
07/13/24 at 03:00 AMIntegrative oncology for patients with lung cancer: A prospective pragmatic controlled trial Lung Cancer; by Eran Ben-Arye, Orit Gressel, Shahar Lifshitz, Nir Peled, Shoshana Keren, Noah Samuels; 6/25/24 Complementary medicine and integrative oncology modalities (IOM) have been included in the clinical practice guidelines of the American College of Chest Physicians in the treatments of patients with lung cancer. The present study examined the impact of a patient-tailored IOM treatment program on quality of life (QoL)-related concerns among patients with non-small and small lung cancer undergoing active oncology treatment. ... High adherence to a 6-week IOM program within supportive/palliative care for patients with lung cancer was found to alleviate pain and emotional concerns, improving overall QoL. Further research is needed to confirm the findings in real-life IOM practice for patients with lung cancer.
Hospice patient's wish fulfilled with playing the blues, family, and his favorite pizza
07/10/24 at 02:00 AMHospice patient's wish fulfilled with playing the blues, family, and his favorite pizza ABC 13 On Your Side YouTube, Grand Rapids Township, MI; by Jeremiah Brown; 7/5/24 Coming from a family of musicians, Peter's family believes music has helped save him, as they gathered from throughout the country to listen to his blues. In the audience were his five older siblings, and other family members who had come from throughout the country for "Peterpalooza." "He would play his harmonica, and we would just jam together," said Peter's music therapist Miranda Eden from Emmanuel Hospice which organized the event. "He talked about how musical his family is, and how much he enjoyed spending time with his family, and he also mentioned how much he loves pizza from Lou Malnati's in Chicago, so I thought, well, we need to make this happen."
Royal Marines musicians play for dying bandmate
06/27/24 at 03:00 AMRoyal Marines musicians play for dying bandmate Verified News Explorer Network, from the United Kingdom; 6/25/24 Musicians from the Royal Marines laid on a poignant performance at a hospice for their dying bandmate. Newlywed Sophie Ward, 27, was joined by her husband Richard, patients, staff and volunteers for the emotional final performance. Sophie was moved in her bed on to the patio adjoining her room to listen and watch her beloved band for one last time, accompanied by her husband - a fellow Royal Marines musician. Sophie, who suffers from Motor Neurone Disease, has been an inpatient at the hospice in Winsley near Bradford-upon-Avon, Wiltshire, since mid-June. Sophie was moved in her bed on to the patio adjoining her room to listen to her beloved band. ... Her colleagues, dressed in the uniform, marched and performed songs chosen by Sophie.
Psychological health in Palliative Care: Thematic analysis of a psychiatrist's and an art therapist's clinical reflexive journals
06/22/24 at 03:50 AMPsychological health in Palliative Care: Thematic analysis of a psychiatrist's and an art therapist's clinical reflexive journals Palliative Medicine; by Wen Phei Lim, Roxanne Jia Yu Chew, Clare O'Callaghan; 6/19/24 online ahead of print Aim: This study aims to describe how patients receiving palliative care experience psychological health, explore the meaning of a palliative care clinician's work and contribute to the understanding of psychological health in palliative care through the reflexive and visual journals of clinicians.
Hospice patient reunites with music student in Mesa after 40 years
06/12/24 at 03:00 AMHospice patient reunites with music student in Mesa after 40 years Mesa Independent; by Lin Sue Flood; 6/7/24When Hospice of the Valley music therapist Tammy Reiver first met patient Nancy Scullion and her husband Mike, it was clear the visit was going to be special. ... Tammy realized she was sitting face to face with her junior high music teacher. ... Nancy owns several instruments, including a keyboard, guitar and violin. The weekly music therapy sessions motivated Nancy to play one of them again. With her husband’s help, she took out her violin. ... “Finding those old instruments in the back of the closet and playing them allowed Nancy to reconnect to an old version of herself…suddenly, she became energized and vibrant!” Allison said. “Music fills a soul and brings it to life!” ... Tammy will never forget this experience. “This is life coming full circle with those who served, and who we now serve in return. ... I am honored and blessed beyond measure.”
The latest research indicates massage therapy has benefits from birth to end of life
06/07/24 at 03:00 AMThe latest research indicates massage therapy has benefits from birth to end of life Cision PR Newswire; by American Massage Therapy Association; 6/5/24 The American Massage Therapy Association (AMTA) is sharing recent research on how massage therapy can provide benefits from infancy through end of life. Across all ages, massage therapy can be a therapeutic approach to enhancing physical and emotional well-being. Explore the latest studies on how massage therapy can help improve the quality of life for infants, middle-aged individuals, and older adults. ... A nationwide survey of physicians, physician assistants, and nurse practitioners in palliative care documented recommendation rates of integrative therapies to target symptoms of palliative care patients. The survey found that massage therapy was the third most recommended integrative care modality behind mind-body interventions like meditation and biofeedback. The integrative therapies aimed to reduce pain, anxiety, mood disturbances, and distress.Editor's Note: While hiring a professional massage therapist might not be practical for your budget, explore contracting with massage therapist who is trained in working with medically-fragile persons to provide simple trainings for your nurses and nurse aides. Additionally, professionally trained massage therapists might be interested in volunteering their services, within appropriate parameters (i.e., not transferring the medically-fragile patient to a massage table, having a caregiver present to assist with communication, etc.).
Psychological trauma can worsen symptom burden at end-of-life
05/17/24 at 03:00 AMPsychological trauma can worsen symptom burden at end-of-life Hospice News; by Holly Vossel; 5/15/24 Recent research has found that traumatic experiences can lead to increased pain and symptom burden at the end of life, along with a greater likelihood of emotional suffering and isolation. Collective trauma experiences have been associated with higher instances of pain and dyspnea among more than half of seniors nationwide, a recent study found, published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management. Traumatized seniors are also more likely to experience loneliness, dissatisfaction with their life and depression. ... Hospices need a greater understanding of both the depth of these patients’ suffering and the scope of their unique needs to improve trauma-informed care delivery, [Dr. Ashwin] Kotwal said, assistant professor of medicine at the University of California San Francisco’s (UCSF) Division of Geriatrics.
Early palliative care perceptions by patients with cancer and primary caregivers: metaphorical language
05/16/24 at 03:00 AMEarly palliative care perceptions by patients with cancer and primary caregivers: metaphorical languageBMJ Supportive & Palliative Care; by Elena Bandieri, Sarah Bigi, Melissa Nava, Eleonora Borelli, Carlo Adolfo Porro, Erio Castellucci, Fabio Efficace, Eduardo Bruera, Oreofe Odejide, Camilla Zimmermann, Leonardo Potenza, Mario Luppi; 5/13/24Methods: Data were collected through a pen-and-paper questionnaire on respondents’ perceptions of the disease, its treatment and their idea of death, before and after receiving EPC [early palliative care]. The data were analysed by identifying all metaphorical uses of language, following the ‘metaphor identification procedure’ proposed by the Praggjelaz Group.Results: Metaphors were used from a variety of semantic fields. EPC was described using spiritual terms, to indicate that this approach was instrumental in ‘restoring life’, ‘producing hope’ and making patients feel ‘accompanied’. The most recurrent metaphors were those referring to light and salvation; spatial metaphors were used to describe the treatment and the hospital as a ‘safe haven’ and ‘an oasis of peace’.
Musician grants dying wish to hospice patient
05/16/24 at 03:00 AMMusician grants dying wish to hospice patient The Platte County Citizen; by Rimsie McConiga; 5/14/24 Jazz musician Stanton Kessler was surprised when he was contacted recently by his friend, a hospice nurse, who reached out to him with an unusual request. A patient at the Kansas City hospice where she works told her his last wish would be to hear his favorite song, ‘Feels So Good’ before he died. During their conversations Kessler’s impression was that this was his friend’s first experience with a request such as this. “There was an element of urgency,” Kessler said. “She said he was near death.” ... An incredibly emotional and rewarding moment followed when Kessler began to play the patient’s beloved song. The man’s eyes remained closed, but his fingers began to move. ...Editor's Note: For research-based, hospice clinical stories, and rich music metaphors for ways use music with the dying and bereaved, examine the book, Music of the Soul, Chapter 7 "The Final Cadence," in Routledge's international Series in Death, Dying, and Bereavement (series edited Robert A. Neimeyer), authored by Joy S. Berger, DMA, FT, BCC, MT-BC (editor for this newsletter).
LifeBio announces partnership with New York State Office for the Aging to capture the legacies of hospice patients
05/13/24 at 02:00 AMLifeBio announces partnership with New York State Office for the Aging to capture the legacies of hospice patientsKFOL/KJUN HTV10; 5/9/24 LifeBio has launched a partnership the New York State Office for the Aging (NYSOFA) and the Association on Aging in NYS (AANYS) to rollout an innovative life story project to people in hospice care. This is the first initiative of its kind in the U.S. to be supported with funding from a state-level unit on aging. Using the LifeBio Memory app to record the voices of New Yorkers, each participating hospice patient will receive back a Life Story Book containing stories, memories and favorite photos to share with loved ones. Audio files will be saved privately and securely. LifeBio will also offer the option of journals for handwriting the stories.
Spiritual distress, hopelessness, and depression in palliative care: Simultaneous concept analysis
05/09/24 at 03:00 AMSpiritual distress, hopelessness, and depression in palliative care: Simultaneous concept analysisMDPI; by Helga Martins, Rita S. Silva, Joana Braganca, Joana Romeiro, and Silvia Caldeira; 5/7/24The results highlight that the three concepts are different but also share some overlapping points. Spiritual distress is embedded in the rupture of their spiritual/religious belief systems, a lack of meaning in life, and existential issues. Hopelessness is a sense of giving up and an inability to control and fix the patient’s situation. Finally, depression is a state of sadness with a multi-impaired situation. In conclusion, refining the three concepts in palliative care is essential since it promotes clarification and enhances knowledge development towards intervention.
The power of art in palliative care
05/07/24 at 03:00 AMThe power of art in palliative care InSight+, Melbourne, Australia; by Caitlin Wright; 5/6/24 ... Melbourne artist Jeffrey Kelson is known for his thought-provoking portraits, several of which have been exhibited at the Melbourne Holocaust Museum. He believes a portrait is a window into a subject’s heart and mind. However, after being diagnosed with late-stage pancreatic cancer, it wasn’t this style of art that Mr. Kelson was drawn to. As soon as he felt well enough to return to his studio, he started work on a series of colourful collages. “At one point, my wife came into the room and commented on how bright they were and how full of life force. She was surprised that I could create pieces that were so energetic when I felt so ill. I hadn’t really thought about it. I just needed to work,” he told InSight+. ... Palliative care specialist Dr Eric Fairbank was one of Mr Kelson’s art students for several years before Mr. Kelson’s diagnosis. He said Mr Kelson’s approach to his diagnosis has confirmed his belief that the best outcomes of cancer treatment are achieved when they’re complemented by the patient’s own resources of mind, will and spirit. [Click on the title's link to view several of his paintings.]