Music Therapy with Preterm Infants and Their Families after Hospital Discharge: An Integrative Review

Verena Clemencic-Jones (), Suza Trajkovski, Allison Fuller, Karen Mattock and Virginia Stulz
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Verena Clemencic-Jones: School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia
Suza Trajkovski: School of Nursing and Midwifery, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia
Allison Fuller: School of Humanities and Communication Arts, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia
Karen Mattock: School of Psychology, Western Sydney University, Locked Bag 1797, Penrith, NSW 2751, Australia
Virginia Stulz: School of Nursing and Midwifery, University of Canberra, Bruce, ACT 2617, Australia

IJERPH, 2024, vol. 21, issue 8, 1-31

Abstract: After discharge from a neonatal unit, families of preterm infants may require therapeutic support to address challenges related to their infant/s’ development, changed family circumstances, and/or parent wellbeing. This integrative review (IR) sought to examine the impact of music therapy on preterm infants and their families post-hospital discharge. A systematic search encompassing seven databases resulted in 83 citations, with six studies initially meeting the inclusion criteria. A further six studies were evaluated and selected upon their publication during the review process. Each study was assessed using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT), followed by the identification of major themes and sub-themes. Our results suggest that music therapy contributed to creating supportive physical and metaphorical environments for preterm infants and their families, in which they could acquire essential skills, tools, and resources for fostering communication and connection with one another. Preterm infants and toddlers may have also enhanced their developmental skills through music therapy sessions post-discharge. Further investigation into the impact of music therapy on preterm infants and their caregivers at different timepoints after hospital discharge is recommended, as well as a comparison of individual and group music therapy outcomes on infant development and parent health. Future research should include a broader spectrum of family members, along with caregivers from diverse family structures and gender identities, reflecting practices already established in some clinical settings.

Keywords: preterm infants; family; music therapy; after hospital discharge; integrative review (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2024
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