Perceptions of music therapy among oncology nurses

The purpose of this study was to investigate the perceptions of music therapy among oncology nurses to pinpoint areas in which music therapists can further advocate for the profession and educate the nursing staff. The study\u27s research objectives included: (a) Examining the perceptions of music therapy regarding role, purpose of the treatment and perceived benefits, and nurses\u27 application of music as a nursing intervention; and (b) Comparing differences in perceptions of music therapy among different settings (i.e. pediatric versus an adult), and facilities with or without music therapy services. Two-hundred and sixty-four members of the Oncology Nursing Society completed the survey. The majority of the participants (81.4%) were aware of music therapy, despite the fact that only 37.5% of the respondents worked in facilities currently offering music therapy. According to participants, volunteer musicians are primary deliverers of music therapy (43.8%), followed by nurses identifying themselves as music therapy facilitators (29.5%). Significant differences were found between the oncology nurses in adult versus pediatric settings with regard to the following referral circumstances: pre/post-operative (x² = 4.33, p \u3c .05), playroom/music group activities/socialization (x² = 12.88, p \u3c .001), and motor skills (x² = 6, p \u3c .05). Results indicated a skewed vision of music therapy as well as a lack of education on all of the applications and benefits of music therapy