Exploring the Synergy of Music and Medicine in Healthcare: Expert Insights into the Curative and Societal Role of the Relationship between Music and Medicine

Our study aimed to investigate the correlation between medicine, health perception, and music as well as the role of music in the healthcare setting. To gain insights into the dynamics between these two fields, we gathered opinions from attendees and presenters at an international conference on music medicine, musicians' health, and music therapy. A team of six interviewers conducted a total of 26 semi-structured interviews. The interview guide focused on four predetermined themes: (1) "music in medicine", (2) "performing arts medicine", (3) "music for the individual", and (4) "music for society". The responses were analyzed using grounded theory methods as well as thematic and content analysis. To enhance the analytical strength, investigator triangulation was employed. Within the predefined themes, we identified several subthemes. Theme 1 encompassed topics such as "listening and performing music for treating diseases and establishing non-verbal relationships", "the value of music in specific disorders, end-of-life care, and pain management", and "the design of sound spaces". Theme 2 explored aspects including the "denial and taboo surrounding physical and mental health issues among musicians", "the importance of prevention", and an antithesis: "pain and suffering driving creativity". Theme 3 addressed the "mental role of music in ordinary and extraordinary life" as well as "music's ability to enable self-conditioning". Lastly, Theme 4 examined the role of music in "cultural self-identification" and "development and education for children". Throughout the interviews, participants expressed a lack of knowledge and awareness regarding interdisciplinary research and the fields of music and medicine. Our findings affirm the significance of music therapy and performing arts medicine as well as the broader relationship between music and medicine. They highlight the potential benefits of perception and experiential pathways for individuals and, consequently, for human society.

Interprofessional care improves health-related well-being and reduces medical costs for chronic pain patients

This study evaluated whether patients with somatic symptom disorder, expressing chronic pain that could not be attributed to a medical condition, would benefit from an 8-week inpatient residence at a psychiatric ward. In the 1-year follow-up after termination the authors examined the extent to which the integrated treatment decreased patient costs. A total of 106 patients participated in the follow-up and reported a significant improvement in their general health (Cohen's d = 1.5-2.21), a decrease in impairment due to pain (d = 2.24), and a decrease in symptom severity (d = 1.29). They took fewer medications and sick days, reported fewer hospital stays and medical examinations, and consulted and changed physicians and outpatient clinics less often (d = 0.55-1.1). The average cost per patient was cut in half, down to € 80,000/$96,000 per year. From a clinical standpoint, group analysis that focused on aggression was the most effective intervention.

Psychosomatic patients in integrated care: Which treatment mediators do we have to focus on?

The field of psychosomatics has gained increasing significance; it has been struggling to establish its position as either an independent discipline or a subdomain of specific areas such as internal medicine or psychiatry. However, the rise of psychosomatic syndromes and disease patterns as well as an increase of specific integrated psychosomatic wards is a clear indication for the growing importance of interdisciplinary approaches to psychosomatic disorders. The study presents data from an 8-week inpatient treatment at a psychosomatic facility and investigates whether patients improved in their subjective symptom experience. A complex treatment approach, ranging from pharmacological treatment and group and individual psychotherapy to physiotherapy and ergotherapy was integrated into this intervention. In essence, containment of intrapsychic aggression derivatives played a central role in the treatment of psychosomatic symptoms. A significant factor contributing to a successful treatment is the doctor-patient relationship. All these factors were investigated in the present study.