A new study from University Hospitals Connor Whole Health has shown that a hybrid music therapy intervention can significantly improve mental health for patients with heart failure and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The pilot study, published in BMC Complementary Medicine and Therapies, highlights the potential of music therapy not only to address immediate symptoms but also to improve long-term outcomes such as hospital readmission rates and overall quality of life.
Patients with chronic illnesses like heart failure and COPD often face persistent symptoms such as shortness of breath, fatigue, and reduced functional capacity. Additionally, many of these patients experience mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, which can increase the risk of hospital readmissions. These readmissions not only affect patients’ well-being but also place a financial burden on hospitals, which face penalties for readmitting patients within 30 days.
In light of these challenges, the research team from UH Connor Whole Health embarked on a two-year study called Music Therapy to Address patient’s JOuRneys with CHronic illness, Outcome, and ReaDmission (MAJOR CHORD). The study sought to fill a major gap in music therapy research by investigating its potential to improve mental health and reduce hospital readmission rates for patients with COPD and heart failure.
Music therapy has been shown to have immediate and profound effects on patients’ symptoms, particularly during hospital admission. However, few studies have explored whether music therapy can provide long-term benefits and help prevent costly hospital readmissions. Samuel Rodgers-Melnick, MPH, LPMT, MT-BC, the Principal Investigator of the study, explains, “This study provides a roadmap for how we can provide these interventions and collect data to understand music therapy’s impact.”
With funding from the Kulas Foundation, which supports pioneering research in music therapy, the MAJOR CHORD study aimed to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a hybrid music therapy intervention for patients with COPD and heart failure. The intervention involved both in-person sessions during hospitalization and virtual sessions after discharge, providing a comprehensive approach to long-term patient care.
The pilot study involved recruiting patients with heart failure or COPD who were admitted to the hospital. Participants received two in-person music therapy sessions while hospitalized, followed by two virtual music therapy sessions after discharge. To evaluate the impact of the intervention, participants completed surveys assessing stress, quality of life, and self-efficacy at baseline, 15 days after discharge, and 30 days after discharge. Some participants also participated in interviews to provide feedback on the intervention.
The study aimed to establish whether it was feasible to deliver the hybrid music therapy sessions consistently and whether participants could complete surveys at various stages of the study. The team also sought to identify any modifications needed to improve the intervention and data collection process before conducting larger randomized controlled trials.
The pilot study yielded promising results while also highlighting areas for improvement. Of the 113 patients approached, 20 were enrolled in the study, with an 85% retention rate. Overall session attendance was 57.5%, with higher rates for in-person sessions (75%) compared to virtual sessions (40%). Adherence to the intervention protocol was greater than 80%, indicating high fidelity in delivering the therapy.
Despite these successes, the study faced challenges in reaching participants after discharge, with frequent rescheduling of virtual sessions and issues with technology use among some participants. However, semi-structured interviews revealed that the intervention was generally well-received, with participants citing three key themes: (1) the positive therapeutic relationship, (2) the need for strategies to improve engagement after discharge, and (3) the positive impact on mental health.
To address the challenges encountered in the pilot study, the research team has implemented several solutions for the follow-up randomized controlled trial. These include secure text messaging to improve communication with participants, in-person technical assistance to help participants with videoconferencing, and more frequent engagement with participants after discharge. These adjustments are aimed at enhancing participant engagement and overcoming barriers to virtual session attendance.
Preliminary findings from the pilot study support the feasibility and acceptability of a four-session hybrid music therapy intervention for adults with COPD or heart failure. The results lay the groundwork for future research that will explore the long-term impact of music therapy on quality of life and hospital readmission rates. Researchers are optimistic that this innovative intervention could offer a valuable tool for improving mental health and reducing healthcare costs for patients with chronic illnesses.
This study provides valuable insight into the potential of music therapy to improve the mental health and long-term outcomes of patients with heart failure and COPD. By addressing immediate symptoms during hospitalization and continuing support after discharge, hybrid music therapy interventions could play a critical role in enhancing patient well-being and reducing hospital readmissions. As research continues, the findings from the MAJOR CHORD study could lead to more widespread adoption of music therapy in clinical settings, offering a promising complementary approach to traditional medical treatments.
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