Pediatric music therapy in the United States: A subsequent inquiry

Abstract

Objective: Music therapy is a credentialed and established allied health profession with increasing prevalence in medical settings across the United States. The field is evidence-based, guided by research and best practice, and music therapy clinicians collaborate inter-professionally to support patients and families during hospitalization. Pediatric music therapists are uniquely situated to improve patient and family care and positively impact the hospital experience. This cross-sectional survey focused on capturing current trends in pediatric music therapy, comparing current data with previously captured data, identifying unique clinical needs of pediatric music therapists; and providing guidance for current clinical considerations.
Methods: The REDCap survey yielded 84 responses (n = 84) from pediatric music therapists. Survey data were analyzed using a modified exploratory sequential mixed methods design, incorporating an initial data review, followed by an inductive qualitative analysis, and concluding with a quantitative phase. The approach was selected to provide a comprehensive understanding of current trends in pediatric music therapy, allowing for comparisons with findings from a previous survey, identification of unique clinical needs, and the development of insights to inform current clinical practice considerations.
Results: The analyzed data showed significant trends within the pediatric music therapy workforce. The comparison between the previous survey conducted in 2020 and the results from 2023 shows that the demand for music therapy services continues, particularly in the clinical areas of emotional support, coping, rehabilitation, palliative care, and pain management. The data suggest that clarifying career progression opportunities, improving institutional backing, and addressing workload distribution could play a pivotal role in therapist retention and long-term service effectiveness.
Conclusions: Music therapists, creative arts therapists, and hospital administrators can use this data to understand resource allocation better and continue growth and support of music therapy within their respective facilities.