title: Implementing music therapy on an adolescent inpatient unit: a mixed-methods evaluation of acceptability, experience of participation and perceived impact.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  We aimed to assess the feasibility of delivering a music therapy program on adolescent psychiatric wards.
  
  
  METHODS
  We undertook a mixed-methods evaluation of a pilot program. Various active and receptive techniques were employed in group music therapy sessions delivered as part of a structured clinical program. Data collected in interviews with participants and staff and feedback questionnaires were thematically and descriptively analysed and triangulated.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Data from 62 questionnaires returned by 43 patients who took part in 16 music therapy sessions, and seven staff, evidenced strong support for music therapy. Patients typically reported experiencing sessions as relaxing, comforting, uplifting, and empowering; >90% would participate by choice and use music therapeutically in the future. Staff endorsed music therapy as valuable therapeutically, reporting that patients engaged enthusiastically and identified sessions as improving their own moods and ward milieu.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Integration of music therapy in inpatient treatment of adolescents is feasible and acceptable, and is valued by staff and patients as a complement to 'talking therapies'. Participation is enjoyed and associated with outcomes including improvement in mood, expression of feelings and social engagement consistent with recovery.
authors.affiliation: Principal Research Fellow, Mental Health, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Mental Health, Brisbane, QLD, and; School of Applied Psychology Griffith University, Nathan, QLD, Australia susan.patterson@health.qld.gov.au.
authors.forename: Sue
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Patterson
authors.affiliation: Psychologist, The University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Herston, QLD, and; Queensland Centre for Mental Health Research, The Park Centre for Mental Health, Wacol, QLD, Australia.
authors.forename: Michael
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Duhig
authors.affiliation: Registered Music Therapist, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Mental Health, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
authors.forename: Chris
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Darbyshire
authors.affiliation: Nurse Unit Manager, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Mental Health, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
authors.forename: Robin
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Counsel
authors.affiliation: Clinical Academic Fellow, Nursing, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Mental Health, Brisbane, QLD, and; School of Nursing, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
authors.forename: Niall
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Higgins
authors.affiliation: Child & Adolescent Psychiatrist, Metro North Hospital and Health Service, Mental Health, Brisbane, QLD, Australia.
authors.forename: Ian
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: Williams
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D006801:Humans; D007297:Inpatients / Q000523:psychology*; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D009147:Music Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D010342:Patient Acceptance of Health Care / Q000523:psychology*; D010865:Pilot Projects
keywords: adolescent; inpatient; mental health; mixed-methods; music therapy; psychiatry