Music Attuned Technology Care via eHealth (MATCH) within an acute psychogeriatric ward – findings from a mixed methods feasibility study
Tracks
Stream One
| Saturday, October 18, 2025 |
| 11:10 AM - 11:30 AM |
| Centre Stage 1 |
Overview
Dr Ajay Castelino
Speaker
Dr Ajay Castelino
RMT
Feel Better Music Therapy
Music Attuned Technology Care via eHealth (MATCH) within an acute psychogeriatric ward – findings from a mixed methods feasibility study
Abstract
Introduction: This study tested the feasibility, acceptability, and effectiveness of MATCH in managing behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) within a hospital-based neurobehavioral dementia unit. Hospitalised patients with dementia often experience heightened agitation and distress, leading to increased medication use, longer hospital stays, and reduced quality of care. Implementing non-pharmacological, person-centred interventions like MATCH in this setting is crucial for improving patient outcomes and supporting staff in delivering effective care.
Methods: This mixed-methods pre-post study was conducted in an 18-bed neurobehavioral dementia unit. Staff completed MATCH training and implemented music strategies over eight weeks. Quantitative measures included changes in neuropsychiatric symptoms assessed using the NPI-NH scale, staff acceptability via the Acceptability E-Scale (AES), and medication use for BPSD. Qualitative data were gathered through focus groups, staff logs, and observational notes to evaluate implementation processes and perceived benefits.
Results: The study involved 24 staff and 14 patients, with 78% of patients completing the intervention. Neuropsychiatric symptoms, particularly agitation, improved significantly, with a median NPI-NH change of -3.0 (95% CI: -5.5, -0.5). Staff rated the intervention highly, with a median AES score of 13/15, indicating strong acceptability. Music strategies facilitated stronger emotional connections between staff and patients, fostering engagement and moments of calm. A modest reduction in medication use for agitation management was observed, aligning with staff perceptions of reduced reliance on pharmacological interventions.
Discussion/Conclusion: MATCH demonstrated feasibility, acceptability, and potential efficacy in reducing agitation and enhancing care in a specialised dementia unit. While technical and environmental challenges were noted, they did not detract from the intervention's benefits. The findings support integrating music-based strategies into dementia care to foster person-centred care and improve patient-staff relationships. This study demonstrates how music therapy studies can deliver measurable outcomes while still upholding person-centred practice.
Methods: This mixed-methods pre-post study was conducted in an 18-bed neurobehavioral dementia unit. Staff completed MATCH training and implemented music strategies over eight weeks. Quantitative measures included changes in neuropsychiatric symptoms assessed using the NPI-NH scale, staff acceptability via the Acceptability E-Scale (AES), and medication use for BPSD. Qualitative data were gathered through focus groups, staff logs, and observational notes to evaluate implementation processes and perceived benefits.
Results: The study involved 24 staff and 14 patients, with 78% of patients completing the intervention. Neuropsychiatric symptoms, particularly agitation, improved significantly, with a median NPI-NH change of -3.0 (95% CI: -5.5, -0.5). Staff rated the intervention highly, with a median AES score of 13/15, indicating strong acceptability. Music strategies facilitated stronger emotional connections between staff and patients, fostering engagement and moments of calm. A modest reduction in medication use for agitation management was observed, aligning with staff perceptions of reduced reliance on pharmacological interventions.
Discussion/Conclusion: MATCH demonstrated feasibility, acceptability, and potential efficacy in reducing agitation and enhancing care in a specialised dementia unit. While technical and environmental challenges were noted, they did not detract from the intervention's benefits. The findings support integrating music-based strategies into dementia care to foster person-centred care and improve patient-staff relationships. This study demonstrates how music therapy studies can deliver measurable outcomes while still upholding person-centred practice.
Biography
Dr Ajay Castelino is a senior clinician and academic with over 18 years of experience as a music therapist in the fields of dementia and disability. He was the Clinical Trial Manager on the MATCH-H Project at the University of Melbourne.
