Songwriting intervention for cognitively-impaired children with life-limiting conditions: Study protocol

• Published in: Contemporary clinical trials communications Vol. 22; p. 100765
• Main Authors: Akard, Terrah Foster, Davis, Kelly, Hills, Tracy, Lense, Miriam, Kim, Dana, Webber, Rylie, Dietrich, Mary S., Gilmer, Mary Jo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier Inc 01-06-2021; Elsevier
• Subjects: Hospice and palliative care nursing; Music therapy; Palliative care; Palliative medicine; Pediatrics; Songwriting; Hospice and palliative care nursing; Palliative care; Pediatrics; Palliative medicine; Songwriting; Music therapy
• ISSN: 2451-8654; 2451-8654
• DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2021.100765

Investigations evaluating the effectiveness of music-based interventions as a complementary approach to symptom management and health promotion for cognitively-impaired children with life-limiting conditions and their families are needed to minimize the physical and psychological burdens on individuals and their caregivers. Songwriting is one music-based strategy for a remote family-centered complementary approach to improve outcomes for cognitively-impaired children with life-limiting conditions, their parents, and families. The overall purpose of this study is to test the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a songwriting intervention for cognitively-impaired children (ages 5–17 years) who are receiving palliative or complex care and their parents. Specific aims are to: (1) determine the feasibility of songwriting for cognitively-impaired children with life-limiting conditions and their parents, and (2) examine preliminary efficacy of songwriting for child psychological distress and physical symptoms, parent psychological distress, and family environment. The protocol for this 1-group pre-and post-intervention clinical trial (N = 25) is described.