The English scientific magazine Palliative & Supportive Care (Cambridge University Press) published a study on the impact of classical music concerts on the psychological burden and well-being of hospitalized cancer patients.
The study, lead by Italian psycho oncologists Alessandro Toccafondi and Andrea Bonacchi, measured the Distress Thermometer (DT), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and self-reported visual analogue scales (score range = 1–10) to assess pain, fatigue, and five areas of well-being (i.e., physical, psychological, relational, spiritual, and overall well-being). The study was conducted over 242 cancer patients, 103 of which attended a classical concert of the “Donatori di Musica” (www.donatoridimusica.it) program during the hospitalization.
Patients who attended a concert demonstrated less distress, lower HADS–Anxiety, and higher scores on all the well-being scales
The results of this study confirm how listening to live music gives the opportunity to establish better relationships between patients and staff. More details are available HERE