Recommendations for patient-reported outcome use in music therapy practice and research within chronic pain and sickle cell disease populations

Abstract

Introduction: Previous research supports music therapy’s benefits for addressing acute pain intensity in various populations. However, few studies have investigated music therapy’s impact on clinically relevant patient-reported outcomes (PROs) among individuals with chronic pain. Method: Authors held multiple meetings focused on existing theoretical frameworks, published recommendations regarding core outcomes, and their own clinical practice and research among individuals with chronic pain. Recommendations are presented using sickle cell disease (SCD) as an exemplar condition. Results: Music therapists working in hospitals that serve individuals with SCD have a unique opportunity to build therapeutic relationships over multiple hospitalizations and help these individuals develop self-management strategies for addressing chronic pain and improving quality of life. To assess the impact of their interventions, music therapists working with people with chronic pain conditions may benefit from using PROs focused on pain interference, self-efficacy, pain catastrophizing, and physical, emotional, and social functioning. PRO selection should ensure that measures are (a) relevant to the population’s specific needs; (b) appropriate to individuals’ developmental and health literacy levels; (c) appropriate to individuals’ culture, environment, and socio-economic status; and (d) not overly burdensome. Discussion: According to the Theory of Self-Care Management for SCD, music therapy can serve as a self-care management resource for improving self-efficacy and mediating the relationship between vulnerability factors and health outcomes. Accordingly, it is important for appropriate PROs to be used within practice and research to capture these important domains and improve our understanding of how music therapy can help individuals with chronic pain achieve meaningful outcomes.