Exploring the role of music therapy in cardiac rehabilitation after cardiothoracic surgery: a qualitative study using the Bonny method of guided imagery and music.
BACKGROUND
Cardiac rehabilitation integrates physical, psychological, and vocational strategies to restore and sustain optimal health.


OBJECTIVE
An innovative study using music therapy (Bonny Method of Guided Imagery and Music [BMGIM]) explored the experiences of cardiac rehabilitation participants in an outpatient setting at 2 major metropolitan teaching hospitals.


METHODS
Commencing 6 to 15 weeks after cardiothoracic surgery, 6 study participants were recruited for 6 weekly music therapy (BMGIM) sessions. Qualitative analysis of the patient narrative within a semiotic framework demonstrated that patients used music therapy to spontaneously explore their recovery process.


RESULTS
Five grand themes emerged: (1) looking through the frame, (2) feeling the impact, (3) spiralling into the unexpected, (4) sublime plateau, and (5) rehearsing new steps. The themes related to physical changes, adjustment after surgery, and anticipated lifestyle.


CONCLUSIONS
This study demonstrates that music therapy (BMGIM) may be used to access and understand the internal recovery process of postcardiothoracic surgical patients, providing an additional clinical tool to augment the external rehabilitation process.
Alison Short, PhD, MA, BMus, RMT, MT-BC, FAMI, RGIMT Research Fellow, Centre for Clinical Governance Research in Health, Australian Institute of Health Innovation, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia. Heather Gibb, PhD, MPsych (Organisational), RN Associate Professor, Helping Hand Aged Care, and Organisational Psychologist, SA Health, Adelaide, Australia. Jennifer Fildes, MPsych, RN, CM Clinical Nurse Consultant, Prince of Wales Hospital, South Eastern Sydney Local Health District, New South Wales, Australia. Colin Holmes, PhD, MPhil Professor of Nursing (Mental Health), School of Nursing, Midwifery and Nutrition, James Cook University, Townsville, Queensland, Australia.
Alison
A
Short
Heather
H
Gibb
Jennifer
J
Fildes
Colin
C
Holmes
D000368:Aged; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures / Q000523:psychology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D019018:Imagery, Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009147:Music Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D036301:Qualitative Research