What is Music-based care?
Music- Based Care is a resource-oriented method that systematically uses music, singing, and movement within health and care services. Staff integrate simple, tailored interventions into daily care routines and activitites. The aim is to foster trust, effective communication, meaningful activity, and a positive working environment.
The method and tools are grounded in practical experience and multiple research fields within music and health. This includes individualized music by Gerdner, person-centreed care by Kitwood, and doctoral research by Myskja.
This form of arts-based care can be carried out by anyone, and interventions are systematically documented in line with other medical treatments . As a resource-oriented approach, it is relevant for anyone working in relational settings and is also being explored as a method in education and training.
Music-based care consists of the following elements
- The influences and possibilities of music
- Good sound environment – awareness and facilitation
- Communication and relationships
- Assessing current situation and needs
- Mapping of music preferences
- Music interventions and activities – individually and in groups
- Rhythm, movement and touch
- Documentation, evaluation and implementation
Music-based care can contribute to
- Stimulate the brain, body and mind
- Enhance communication and interaction
- Reduce anxiety, restlessness and other challenges during care and daily activities
- Reduce unnecessary medication use
- Increase coping and wellbeing
- Create meaningful activity and content in everyday life
- Improve job satisfaction and reduce sick leave
Research and practical experience show that the systematic use of music and singing can enhance well-being, coping skills, safety, and dignity – for patients, users, and staff alike. Music Based Care is a relational care practice that addresses the whole person, has a preventive effect, and contributes to reduced use of coercion and medication.
Background
Music- Based Care was developed on behalf of the Norwegian Directorate of Health as a procurement and is part of the Government's plan for the municipal health and care services (“Kompetanseløft 2025”). It is rooted in several government white papers on care, elderly care and publichealth.
The project is owned by Nord University on behalf of the Norwegian Resource Centre for Arts and Health, which is responsible for implementing the initiative commissioned by the Directorate of Health. We collaborate with The Norwegian National Centre for Ageing and Health on the ABC-training in Music-based care.
Courses and Continuing Education in Music-based care
We offer courses and professional development days across the country. In addition, we provide continuing education programs in the session-based courses Music Based Care and Art and Culture in Health and Care at Nord University in Levanger.
The courses provide enhanced competence in the use of music, singing, and movement as part of holistic care. This therapeutic approach is integrated into daily care routines and tailored to each user through assessment of individual needs and preferences.
Target Groups
The courses are designed for a wide range of professionals and employees within the health and care services, working with patients or users of all ages and with various conditions and functional variations. The resource- and care-based method is also applicable for others working in relational professions, and it is being tested as a pedagogical method.
The training program consists of four independent modules, which can be completed separately.
Ressursbank
Ressursbanken inneholder litteratur, videoer og verktøy for musikkbasert miljøbehandling og andre kulturbaserte tiltak.