A hospital-based survey on the perception of music therapy among nurses and midwives

Objective: To determine the knowledge, understanding, behavior, and practices of music therapy among Turkish nurses and midwives. Methods: This was a cross-sectional hospital-based survey performed on 225 nurses and midwives with a self-completed study questionnaire. The questionnaire consists of five sections, each having 4-20 multiple-choice questions on socio-demographic and professional characteristics, patterns of listening to music, knowledge and opinions on music therapy, the effect of music therapy on vital signs, and applicability of music therapy. Results: Of the participants, 194 (87.8%) were nurses and 27 (12.2%) were midwives. Almost all the participants (99.1%) stated that they like music. Of the participants, 70.6% had knowledge on the health-related effects of music and believe that music positively affects patients. However, over 90% had not received any education on music therapy during formal or in-service training. Only 7.7% use music therapy in patient care, and 36.2% have never thought of using music therapy. Although 67.4% of participants think that music therapy is easy to apply, 52.0% have working conditions which is not appropriate for the application of therapy. The reasons preventing participants from applying music therapy were insufficient physical conditions, shortage of time, and unsupportive approach of hospital management. Conclusion: Even though Turkish nurses and midwives have a positive perspective toward music therapy, they have no adequate training and physical conditions to effectively apply this treatment. Comprehensive continuous education programs on music therapy for both nurses and midwives and hospital managements should be planned and implemented