A Qualitative Study on Receptive Music Therapy in a Paediatric Hospital: Orchestrating Innovations for Future Service Delivery.
Tracks
Stream Three
| Saturday, October 18, 2025 |
| 11:50 AM - 12:10 PM |
| Terrace Room 1&2 |
Overview
Melina Roberts
Speaker
Melina Roberts
The Royal Children's Hospital
A Qualitative Study on Receptive Music Therapy in a Paediatric Hospital: Orchestrating Innovations for Future Service Delivery.
Abstract
Music Therapists in paediatric hospitals use a combination of active and receptive methods, carefully chosen to align with the therapeutic needs of each patient and their family. Historically, active music therapy methods have been strongly promoted in pediatric hospitals; however, this form of music therapy is not always applicable, particularly when patients are acutely unwell. Existing literature explores various applications of receptive methods in pediatric hospitals; however, comprehensive descriptions of what 'receptive methods' encompass in this context are still limited.
To address this gap, further research was necessary to enhance knowledge and improve service delivery, ultimately aiming to positively impact patient care. Consequently, a qualitative research study was conducted to investigate the receptive methods used by a team of music therapists at a large paediatric hospital. The participants included 12 registered music therapists working in this setting. Data collection involved a focus group and individual interviews. This qualitative data was analysed using inductive, reflexive thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2022), resulting in the emergence of five distinct, innovative themes.
The five themes revealed that receptive music therapy methods in this setting are: 1) complex to define as they are changeable, multi-faceted, and carefully modified for each patient and family; 2) frequently and widely used with patients aged 0-18 years; 3) can address a wide range of therapy goals; 4) are particularly relevant for ‘highest priority’ patients and families; and 5) enable an extension of music therapy supports beyond the face-to-face sessions.
Case studies highlighting key findings of this study will be presented to demonstrate applications of receptive methods in this setting. By sharing these findings, the author aims to inspire music therapists to expand their skill set, build confidence in using receptive methods with young patients, and promote sustainable service delivery in the growing and evolving context of paediatric healthcare.
To address this gap, further research was necessary to enhance knowledge and improve service delivery, ultimately aiming to positively impact patient care. Consequently, a qualitative research study was conducted to investigate the receptive methods used by a team of music therapists at a large paediatric hospital. The participants included 12 registered music therapists working in this setting. Data collection involved a focus group and individual interviews. This qualitative data was analysed using inductive, reflexive thematic analysis (Braun & Clarke, 2022), resulting in the emergence of five distinct, innovative themes.
The five themes revealed that receptive music therapy methods in this setting are: 1) complex to define as they are changeable, multi-faceted, and carefully modified for each patient and family; 2) frequently and widely used with patients aged 0-18 years; 3) can address a wide range of therapy goals; 4) are particularly relevant for ‘highest priority’ patients and families; and 5) enable an extension of music therapy supports beyond the face-to-face sessions.
Case studies highlighting key findings of this study will be presented to demonstrate applications of receptive methods in this setting. By sharing these findings, the author aims to inspire music therapists to expand their skill set, build confidence in using receptive methods with young patients, and promote sustainable service delivery in the growing and evolving context of paediatric healthcare.
Biography
Melina Roberts, a Registered Music Therapist since 2001, works at the Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH), Melbourne. She is one of the music therapy team leaders, currently working in the paediatric intensive care unit and with patients receiving palliative care. She recently researched receptive music therapy methods used across the RCH.
