A Comparison of Three Music Therapy Introduction Dialogues on Acceptance of Music Therapy Services by Patients in an Outpatient Cancer Center

Abstract

Abstract Music therapy is not often well understood by patients with cancer; therefore, patients may be initially hesitant to accept music therapy services. The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of three different scripts (described from here on as “introduction dialogues”) used to offer music therapy services to patients in an outpatient cancer center. Relationships between patient-reported anxiety levels, gender, and age with the acceptance rate of music therapy services were also examined. Patients (n = 59) were offered music therapy using one of three different introduction dialogues, asked to complete an anxiety Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), and provided with music therapy services if accepted. Results showed that introduction dialogue #2 (benefits of music therapy explained, including research) had the greatest acceptance rate. Moderate anxiety levels, males, and individuals 61+ years of age also showed greatest acceptance rates. A breakdown of different variables influencing patient response, limitations of the study, and future recommendations are also discussed.