Remote Music Therapy Shows Promise for Children with Cognitive Impairment Receiving Palliative Care
A study in the Journal of Palliative Medicine tested a six-week remote music therapy program for cognitively impaired children receiving palliative care and their families. Delivered at home via Zoom, the intervention included songwriting, family participation, and creation of a personalized music video. Results showed the program was feasible to deliver and highly acceptable to families, with all participants reporting satisfaction. Children experienced significantly lower physical stress, while parents reported benefits for themselves and their families, including improved connection and meaningful shared experiences. The findings suggest remote music therapy could expand access to palliative care services for medically complex children who may otherwise face barriers to in-person programs.