| Purpose and procedure of the study. This study examines the role of spirituality in the lives of hospice patients and outlines a protocol for music therapists to follow as they strive to address the spiritual needs of their patients. Case studies of eight hospice patients who received music therapy are presented. The researcher analyzed audio-recorded sessions with the eight patients in order to identify themes that were representative of the hospice patients' spiritual elements. These themes were then used as the basis of a music therapy protocol to assist the music therapist in designing interventions focused on the spiritual needs of his/her hospice patients.;Findings of the study. Spiritual themes found to be present with the eight patients in this study included: Family and relationships with others; religious beliefs; favorite travel destinations or locations; hobbies and other interests; music-making; and career and other life achievements. Music therapy interventions utilized in addressing the themes were music listening (religious-based songs and other significant pieces), life review, music-assisted relaxation, active music-making through singing and/or playing an instrument, lyric analysis, and composition.;Conclusions of the study. A protocol for music therapists was provided by this study. Descriptions of each step of the protocol are offered: First, the music therapist gathers information regarding the hospice patient's spirituality. Second, the music therapist determines what specific themes express the hospice patient's own spirituality. Third, music therapy interventions are designed to focus upon each theme, or aspect of the hospice patient's spirituality. Future applications of this protocol would assist music therapists---and all personnel on a hospice staff---in providing more focused support of their patients' spiritual values. |
