Dissertation - World Federation of Music Therapy

However, subjects’ verbal reports and responses to the intervention were favourable
and suggested that the music intervention did promote increased relaxation and
comfort and a reduction in feelings of anxiety and stress.
Wylie and Blom (1986) described the music, relaxation procedure, guided imagery,
and patient responses to imagery used with hospice patients. Two hospice patients
were subjects in individual case studies. A variety of music was used with each
subject, both preferred selections and unfamiliar music. Music and guided imagery
were used to help facilitate pain control, and help patients reminisce about their lives.
This procedure also provided the patients with opportunities to control some aspects
of their life. They could be creative and temporarily feel safe and secure. Descriptions
of how imagery and music were adapted to the needs of each patient are also
presented.
Marr (1999) reported how BMGIM was used as part of a music therapy program in
both in-patient and home-based hospices for patients with a terminal illness. It was
found that sessions using either standard BMGIM or an adapted variation were
effective in assisting two patients in their personal and spiritual preparation for their
final journey. Each patient received much in the way of personal insight and
integration so that they could move forward without fear of what was to come. It is
proposed and demonstrated that, under the right conditions, BMGIM can be a valid
and effective therapy as part of a palliative care program. The paper includes a
discussion of how to determine when BMGIM is appropriate and how to modify the
process to be most effective with hospice patients, an issue raised by Martin (1993),
who considered BMGIM contraindicated in palliative care because of the patients’
lack of strength.
There seems to be no clear answer to the question whether standard BMGIM is an
appropriate and useful method in palliative/hospice care. It may be more relevant to
see a spectrum of options, going from BMGIM being inappropriate due to the
physical weakness and/or the resistance of the patient, to BMGIM being appropriate
and useful for patients in palliative care who have both the strength and motivation
necessary for music psychotherapy.
33