A Comparison of Three Music Therapy Introduction Dialogues on Acceptance of Music Therapy Services by Cancer Patients

ABSTRACT The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of 3 different music therapy introduction dialogues with cancer patients. Relationships between patient-reported anxiety levels, sex, and age and the acceptance rate of music therapy services were also examined. Patients (n = 59) were offered music therapy using 1 of 3 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 effectiveness. Moderate anxiety levels, males, and individuals 61+ years of age also showed greater acceptance rates. A breakdown of different variables influencing patient response, limitations of the study, and future recommendations are also discussed