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Experience the Sound of Healing

Man playing guitarFairfield Medical Center provides individual therapy services for patients and family members through Central Ohio Music Therapy, LLC. Music therapy is an established healthcare profession that uses evidence-based music interventions to accomplish individualized goals through a therapeutic relationship with a board-certified music therapist (MT-BC). See below for frequently asked questions and answers.


How does music therapy help patients and their families?

Music therapy may help by addressing the following needs/issues through music intervention: pain control, shortness of breath, isolation, anxiety/agitation, spiritual needs, impaired communication, reduced quality of life, depression, flat/dull affect, loss of independence, self-expression, infective coping, caregiver role-strain & positive shared experiences.


How does a patient begin receiving music therapy?

The music therapists receives a referral from the nurse, doctor, social worker or chaplain but patients and family may request a music therapy referral as well from any of the above staff. When the music therapist receives a referral, they will attempt a visit with the patient during the music therapist’s weekday shift at the hospital to assess their music preferences and develop music therapy goals. If a patient is sleeping, with other staff, or unavailable, the music therapist will stop back at a later time. If the patient demonstrates needs, music therapy may address AND a positive response to music interventions, music therapy services will be recommended.


What happens during a typical music therapy session?

The music therapist may use one or more instruments (i.e.: piano, guitar, q-chord, HAPI Drum, rhythm instrument, voice, and/or electronic instruments) to provide live music and engage the patient and/or family members in music making with the therapist as they are able. Music utilized/provided is selected from patient preferred music and requests. Patients and/or family members may be led in participation through singing, instrument playing, music listening, music discussion and song writing.


How often does the music therapist visit & how long are the sessions?

Sessions typically are 30 minutes in length, but range from 20-60 minutes. Session frequency and length vary based upon need and availability of therapist.


How do I request music therapy or get in contact with the music therapist?

You can request music therapy by requesting a referral from your nurse or by calling the nursing office at 740-687-8190.


Meet our music therapists…

Visit www.centralohiomusictherapy.com to meet your potential music therapist at Fairfield Medical Center and for more information regarding music therapy.


Is there research to support music therapy services in medical settings?

Research has shown music therapy to be a significantly effective tool to address patient needs due to its effects on the human brain. Music, especially when administered by a board-certified music therapist, has the capability to improve:

  • Heart rate and blood pressure
  • Respiratory rate and oxygen exchange
  • Neurochemical production: endorphins, seratonin, melatonin, dopamine, oxytocin
  • Neurohormone responses: ACTH, cortisol
  • Immune system responses: salivary immuniglobin A, natural killer cells, nitric oxide
  • Brainwave states and neurological functions
  • Cognitive functioning: attention, memory, integration, imagery

Music therapy research in medical settings has demonstrated many positive outcomes for patients, including:

  • Decreased pain perception/increased comfort
  • Decreased stress and anxiety
  • Increased relaxation/decreased muscle tension
  • Elevated mood/decreased depression
  • Enhanced physical, occupational and speech therapy outcomes
  • Enhanced spirituality
  • Increased communication & socialization
  • Increased alertness, cognitive engagement & memory recall
  • Increased family/caregiver support
  • Decreased medication and length of stay

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