Live music helping improve patients’ recovery
Professional musicians playing for hospital patients could help improve their experience in critical care, which is an inspiring idea that has just finished being trialled at Basildon Hospital.
String instruments like the lute and violin have been played to over 100 patients to see if they help reduce stress levels and inspire calm through the power of music.
Jose Rojas, a Junior Charge Nurse in Critical Care, said: “There’s is evidence that suggests there is improved patient outcomes with music, so we wanted to explore to see this was a ‘sound’ idea ourselves.
“It has been wonderful to see the musicians tailor their music to the patient they are playing for, often taking requests. It also gives patients and staff a mutually shared experience and something to talk about and remember well after the music has gone.”
Feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with many patients, visitors and staff reporting that the music is soothing, relaxing, calming and reduces stress, helping stimulate patients.
Giving feedback, one patient said: “This was lovely to listen to and very relaxing, the artist didn’t mind answering my questions.”
Claire Winspear, who is a relative of a patient, said: “This had a very calming effect for me and my mother, who is staying with you at the moment. Keep the music coming.”
Research gathered by the musically themed scheme is now being looked at and was all made possible by a £5,000 grant by Mid and South Essex Hospitals Charity.