What is Music-Based Care?
Music-Based Care is a resource-oriented method in which staff systematically use music, singing, and movement within health and care services. Staff integrate simple, tailored interventions into daily care routines and activities. 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-centred 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 treatment measures.
The method was originally developed within dementia care, but has porven to be of great value acress disciplines and target groups. It can therefore be used by anyone who works woth people and relationships.
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
- Stimulating the brain, body and mind
- Enhancing communication and interaction
- Reduce anxiety, restlessness and other challenges during care and daily activities
- Reducing unnecessary medication use
- Increasing coping ability and wellbeing
- Creating meaningful activities and daily structure
- Improved well-being and reduced 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.
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.