Background: The Music Attuned Technology: Care via eHealth (MATCH) Project aims to create an accessible and scalable music-based mobile app and training program for caregivers of people with dementia. Digital music technology may also benefit caregivers of adults with traumatic brain injury (TBI) due to significant overlap in support needs, behaviour, and emotional and cognitive complexity. However, it is important to understand the landscape of non-pharmacological interventions for this population more broadly, to clarify MATCH’s potential impact.

A systematic review with meta-analysis is being conducted on this topic with results to be finalised prior to the AMTA National Conference in 2025.

Method: This review includes all types of non-pharmacological interventions aimed at reducing the severity of changed behaviours in adults with TBI, as well as those supporting caregivers managing these behaviours.

Databases including CINAHL, MEDLINE, EmBASE, PsycINFO, and the Cochrane Library were searched. 8689 unique records were screened according to a selection criteria, with approximately 30 articles moving forward to meta-analysis.

Findings: Data analysis is underway, and results will be presented at the conference. Early insights have informed the design of a subsequent national survey study exploring how caregivers currently use music in TBI care, and how they may implement digital music-attuned interventions such as MATCH. Preliminary results from this survey study will also be presented.

Discussion: This research contributes to both innovation and impact by mapping the current evidence base and highlighting how a music attuned technology such as MATCH can be integrated into TBI care. MATCH is designed to bridge digital and community contexts through music. These findings not only extend the impact of music therapy in the community but also inform the development of future training and real-world application, supporting a sustainable and growing future for the music therapy profession.