Andorra Hospital Confirms Music Therapy Cuts Anxiety, Pain in Palliative Care Study

Hospital Nostra Senyora de Meritxell in Andorra has completed its first music therapy research study in the palliative care unit, showing notable reductions in anxiety and depression among oncology patients.

The trial involved 34 patients with advanced, incurable cancer, averaging 68.5 years old, with an even split between men and women. Music therapist Laia Font delivered sessions tailored to each participant's needs, history, and musical preferences, conducting four or five daily during the year-long project. A multidisciplinary team, including doctors, nurses, and Font, assessed physical and emotional symptoms before and after using established scales.

Results indicated a 30% decrease in anxiety and 20% drop in depression right after sessions, plus improvements in pain, fatigue, and overall symptom burden. Some 74% of participants rated the experience the highest possible score of five out of five, reporting lasting feelings of tranquility, well-being, and calm. Professionals who observed sessions described their involvement as 100% positive, noting strengthened patient-staff bonds.

Dr. Cristina Royo, acting clinical coordinator for palliative care, called the study small but significant during its presentation, titled "Music Therapy in Palliative Care: Results from the Country's First Research Study. From Experience to Evidence." She emphasized its potential for expansion across hospital areas. Font highlighted a holistic benefit that enhances quality of life.

Funded by the Fundació Orquestra Nacional Clàssica d’Andorra with government and Creand Fundació support via the Programa per les Persones since 2015, the therapy currently runs two days weekly for eight hours total.

Plans call for evaluating its effects on oncology day centre patients undergoing chemotherapy, focusing on anxiety, depression, and fatigue during vulnerable treatment visits. This next phase could begin in coming months, with possible rollout to other services. The team aims to share findings at the Sociedad Española de Cuidados Paliativos congress in Cartagena and the III Jornades de Musicoteràpia Hospitalària in Seville. Details on full implementation are still forthcoming.