Learning and growing together: A music therapy student's experience of interprofessional care in the acute setting.
Tracks
Stream Two
| Saturday, October 18, 2025 |
| 11:30 AM - 11:50 AM |
| Centre Stage 2 |
Overview
Emma Hyam
Speaker
Emma Hyam
Student
Learning and growing together: A music therapy student's experience of interprofessional care in the acute setting.
Abstract
Background
Student placements play a vital role in fostering the knowledge, skills, and confidence of future registered music therapists. This presentation will describe a 2nd year student placement in an acute paediatric care setting within a metropolitan hospital. Since the hospital’s relocation in 2018, student placements in this area had not taken place for over a decade. This made the opportunity both unique and valuable—for the student, the music therapy team, and the broader allied health department.
Approach
Throughout the placement, opportunities were provided to observe and develop essential skills for delivering effective music therapy within an acute care environment. Learning spanned multiple clinical areas, involving patients of varying ages, medical conditions, and therapeutic goals.
Integration into the interprofessional allied health team provided valuable opportunities to work alongside clinicians from diverse disciplines. Music therapy was utilised in an individualised way to support patient care and promote positive outcomes based on interdisciplinary goals.
A case study presented at the end of the placement to the Occupational Therapy department, enabled reflection on clinical processes, theoretical frameworks, practical methods, and the experience overall.
Impact
This placement offered rich and meaningful learning opportunities which deeply influenced the professional growth and identity of the author, providing personal purpose. It also contributed to a deeper understanding of the role and therapeutic potential of music therapy.
The involvement of music therapy students brought greater visibility to the discipline within the allied health department, highlighting the value of music therapy services in complex clinical settings.
Conclusion
Student placements in acute paediatric care settings provide a wealth of learning opportunities for all involved. This presentation demonstrates that the presence of music therapy students can lay a foundation for future student engagement and the continued integration of music therapy in paediatric acute care.
Student placements play a vital role in fostering the knowledge, skills, and confidence of future registered music therapists. This presentation will describe a 2nd year student placement in an acute paediatric care setting within a metropolitan hospital. Since the hospital’s relocation in 2018, student placements in this area had not taken place for over a decade. This made the opportunity both unique and valuable—for the student, the music therapy team, and the broader allied health department.
Approach
Throughout the placement, opportunities were provided to observe and develop essential skills for delivering effective music therapy within an acute care environment. Learning spanned multiple clinical areas, involving patients of varying ages, medical conditions, and therapeutic goals.
Integration into the interprofessional allied health team provided valuable opportunities to work alongside clinicians from diverse disciplines. Music therapy was utilised in an individualised way to support patient care and promote positive outcomes based on interdisciplinary goals.
A case study presented at the end of the placement to the Occupational Therapy department, enabled reflection on clinical processes, theoretical frameworks, practical methods, and the experience overall.
Impact
This placement offered rich and meaningful learning opportunities which deeply influenced the professional growth and identity of the author, providing personal purpose. It also contributed to a deeper understanding of the role and therapeutic potential of music therapy.
The involvement of music therapy students brought greater visibility to the discipline within the allied health department, highlighting the value of music therapy services in complex clinical settings.
Conclusion
Student placements in acute paediatric care settings provide a wealth of learning opportunities for all involved. This presentation demonstrates that the presence of music therapy students can lay a foundation for future student engagement and the continued integration of music therapy in paediatric acute care.
Biography
Emma is a second year Master of Music Therapy student at the University of Melbourne. Emma lives in Perth Western Australia. Emma has a background in nursing and music education.
