Live, interactive music making can support inpatients’ wellbeing and provide relief from symptoms of disease and feelings of isolation, say Neil Foster and colleagues

The aim of this service evaluation was to assess the value of music therapy for adult haemato-oncology inpatients and add data to the limited literature. A mixed methods approach was adopted, combining semi-structured interviews with pre- and post-session assessments of mood and anxiety using a happy/sad faces tool and a single visual analogue scale. Three themes emerged from the interviews: affirming life, meaning and identity, and addressing isolation. The pre- and post-session assessments indicated significant improvements in mood and anxiety. Music therapy may support the wellbeing of adult haemato-oncology inpatients, providing relief from symptoms and anxiety through meaningful experiences that are pleasurable and life-affirming.