Music Matters: Optimizing Music in Complex Care and Rehabilitation

The purpose of this study was to explore how music can be optimized in complex care environments, supporting improved quality of life and outcomes for patients with multiple chronic conditions. The study examined the feasibility of music care in complex rehabilitation and care, and specifically, the music care approach as a strategic framework for music optimization at Bridgepoint Health. A review of research and grey literature on music care models, components and impact of music on quality of care in complex health care settings was conducted. Data was collected to gain information from various Bridgepoint Hospital stakeholders using four methods: 1. Design charrettes – Twenty-nine (29) outside experts with connections to Bridgepoint Health as well as staff from within Bridgepoint offered feedback on music in the new Bridgepoint setting during two evening guided tours and focus groups. Outside experts included architects, artists, designers, professional musicians, composers, music educators, music stakeholders from other Toronto hospitals, Bridgepoint patient family members. Bridgepoint staff included a nurse, geriatric psychiatrist, vice president, and chaplain; 2. Musical café –Twenty-nine (29) Bridgepoint patients participated in a 90-minute afternoon focus group by sharing their lived musical experiences at Bridgepoint and their advice regarding music use at Bridgepoint. Participants came from 11 different units, were mixed in age and gender. The café concluded with a thank you performance for patients with performers Lenny and Wendy Solomon; 3. Electronic questionnaire – Seven (7) Bridgepoint staff responded to a survey delivered through the Daily Dose newsletter which invited ideas for music care; 4. Ideas box – Fifty-eight (58) people from the larger Bridgepoint community submitted music care ideas via 13 idea boxes placed at nursing stations, and other common areas throughout the building