2362 - Feasibility Study to Build the First Outpatient Music Therapy Program in a Large Regional Cancer Center: A Survey among the Entire Radiation Oncology Staff

Purpose/Objective(s):

Music therapy (MT) is recommended during active cancer treatment in ASCO’s 2023 guideline. However, cancer centers in Canada rarely offer formal MT for outpatients receiving radiotherapy. The purpose of this study is to assess staff knowledge, attitudes, and perceived support for developing MT program in a radiation oncology department.

Materials/Methods:

Following an in-depth scientific review of the existing literature, we conducted a 19-question anonymous cross-sectional survey as a Quality Improvement project approved by IRB. All staff were invited to participate. By completing and submitting the survey in a sealed envelope, consent to participate is implied. No identifying information was collected. The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics.

Results:

We distributed 85 survey forms and received 80 (94.1%) valid responses, mostly from radiation therapists (28.7%), clerks (22.5%), nurses (12.5%), radiation oncologists (8.8%), medical physicists (7.5%), followed by dosimetrists, admin, trainees and other primary roles. 66 (82.5%) were female, balanced in different age groups (12.5% 30y or under, 31.3% 31-40y, 26.2% 41-50y, 23.8% 51-60y). Results revealed that 50 (63.3%) had previous music exposure, 64 (80%) ever heard of MT, but only 5 (6.3%) were aware of Canadian Association of Music Therapists (CAMT), 7 (8.7%) worked previously in a department that offered MT, 1 (1.3%) was very familiar with what MT does, and 4 (5%) knew about ASCO’s MT guideline. Only 17 (21.3%) described MT as evidence-based clinical therapy provided by a trained professional, while most thought MT simply uses music to help patients relax (63.7%), followed by recreational or entertainment activity (8.8%). 76 (95%) believed MT is relevant to radiation oncology patients, as it can help with anxiety and emotional distress (91.3%), improve patient satisfaction and experience (48.8%), reduce pain and physical discomfort (38.8%), and encourage treatment compliance or cooperation (27.5%). 70 (87.5%) agreed that MT could improve the overall patient experience and would support a pilot MT program. Although most 45 (56.3%) did not have any concerns about implementing MT program, some worried about staffing and space limitations (27.5%), cost and funding (25%), impact on workflow (16.3%), and only 1 (1.3%) concerned about lack of evidence.

Conclusion:

We received overwhelming support of MT in radiation oncology department. However, the lack of awareness of MT and ASCO guidelines could potentially limit the advocation of MT to cancer patients. Educational sessions on MT would benefit the staff to better understand the science and evidence for it to improve the support of MT in our institution. This survey helped promote knowledge about MT to radiation oncology staff. It is feasible to build one of the first MT programs for radiation oncology outpatients in Canada.