Abstract
Music has a significant role to play throughout life, but particularly in later life as death approaches. The opportunity for terminally ill patients to creatively define themselves through music may be beneficial in easing emotional, physical, and spiritual distress and achieving existential resolution, wholeness, and peace. The purpose of this article is to define and outline the role of music therapy in addressing the needs of terminally ill patients throughout the various stages of dying, illustrating the process with case studies.
WHEN death is imminent, terminally ill patients may suffer, as the "intactness or wholeness" 1(p23) of their person is threatened. Issues fundamental to human existence are undermined and patients are left feeling abandoned, helpless, and powerless. 2 patients' experiences of suffering are subjective and "total" combining " [horizontal ellipsis] pain, other physical symptoms, social difficulties, cultural and spiritual concerns." 1(p23) When this stage in patients' illnesses is reached, the focus of treatment shifts from meeting their acute nursing and medical needs to embracing a palliative care philosophy that addresses the "whole person" including their physical, emotional, and spiritual needs. The principles of palliative care ensure a holistic approach " [horizontal ellipsis] which is good medical practice but in no situation is it more important than in palliative care, for which it is essential." 1(p13)