Music therapists’ strategies in implementing new posts within health care settings

Abstract

The National Rehabilitation Hospital was one of a number of sites that contributed to a research study in the area of music therapy service development. This research aimed to examine the experiences of expert music therapists in developing new work and to identify strategies for introducing a new role to an existing healthcare team. Service development strategies that were identified included: Providing education about music therapy Conjoint working with other staff Remaining flexible Generating evidence Investing time and energy Results from the research will be disseminated to music therapy students, qualified music therapists and health care managers, to assist in the creation of further music therapy posts nationally and internationally. Final Report presented to the NRH Ethics Committee - October 2009