Each year in Australia over 1,000 children and teens (from birth to 18 years) are diagnosed with cancer (CCIA, 2024). The support offered by a Redkite registered music therapist (RMT) during hospital visits can be integral to expressing diverse emotions and managing stress and anxiety arising from cancer treatment (Tucquet & Leung, 2014).
In 2023, parent representatives in Redkite's Lived Experience Advisory Group (LEAG) identified the need for a digital therapeutic resource to encourage further creative self-expression in families with children undergoing cancer treatment. This presentation explores the development of an innovative, online music program, Redkite Music Box (RMB), intended for families of paediatric oncology patients to use either at home between hospital visits, after finishing active treatment, or during hospitalisation when a Redkite RMT is unavailable.
We will discuss Redkite's inspiration for producing this resource, both presenting anecdotal evidence from the LEAG as well as providing relevant examples from clinical research and practice (Cho et al., 2023; i am COURAGEOUS, 2021; Rowe-Sykes et al., 2023). We will also highlight the significance of collaboration between Redkite RMTs and Redkite staff prior to RMB content creation by a former Redkite RMT in partnership with Redkite.
Following this, we will present an overview of the RMB program, providing examples of activities for infants, children, young people and their families. We will also offer a case vignette, accompanied by audiovisual examples. Additionally, we will offer insights regarding this new program’s uptake and early family feedback. Finally, opportunities and challenges will be discussed in the context of creating this musical resource, with practical examples given. Potential future directions for the RMB resource will also be mentioned.