Staying in hospital can be isolating, but a new music project piloted at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee offers a promising and innovative approach to changing that experience.
Using live music to improve the physical and mental health of older patients, Live and Jive allowed patients to request and enjoy music of their choice, performed by a live band of musicians.
Crucially, Live and Jive was designed to be inclusive. Indeed, for patients unable to move from their hospital bed, sessions were livestreamed or downloaded onto digital tablets for patients to watch and listen to from the comfort of their ward or room.
As more and more older people are admitted to hospitals with complex medical and social care needs, many experience longer stays and are more likely to require enhanced care packages upon discharge.
Suzanne Gray, Dementia Nurse Consultant, NHS Tayside, said, “People experiencing extended hospital stays often report spells of stress and distress, which can negatively impact their physical and mental health. They often lose hope of achieving their previous level of independence to allow them to go home.
“Despite best efforts, many areas of Ninewells Hospital do not provide meaningful activity for older people. Although pockets of excellent person-centred care are evident, there is limited access to most digital technologies, even to listen to music.”
To Suzanne, alongside her colleague Eilaine White, Clinical Academic Nurse Consultant for Older People, this felt like a lost opportunity.
Suzanne, who is also a musician in her spare time, added, “I know from my own experience, and through research, that music is a powerful medium for wellbeing. This is particularly the case when the person has chosen the music, and when it’s performed live. Research shows it can reduce stress and distress, anxiety and depression, and, by spending time with others through a shared activity, can reduce social isolation. It can even aid speech reconstruction amongst people who have difficulties communicating verbally and build that all-important sense of self and personal identity.
“We wanted to take that concept of personalised choice and live music but in a way that wouldn’t exclude anyone, hence the importance of sharing the experience with those on the ward.”
However, bringing Live and Jive from an idea to a reality required money, and a lot of planning!
After receiving £11,000 from the NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation, Suzanne and Eiliane were able to fund the purchase of nine televisions for the wards alongside 18 tablets. The grant also covered the band's costs.
With the funding in place, the team were able to hold three events which, despite a few technical glitches during the first session, were a resounding success!
After a comprehensive list of songs was produced by Suzanne alongside the band, Jon Ritchie and That Swing Sensation, volunteers from Bridge FM collected song requests from patients. The songs were then performed by the band within the hospital’s Improvement Academy.
Indeed, almost 130 people, a mix of patients, family and friends and volunteers, enjoyed the events. Patients who were not well enough to attend in person could enjoy the experience on televisions or tablets on the wards, again with the support of volunteers.
Feedback showed a reduction in stress and distress, improved mood and general wellbeing. The benefits were also seen to last long after the event.
In addition, the people who enjoyed the pilot events reported that positive connections between staff, patients, families and the community were developed, providing patients and their families with a positive experience and memory of their time in the hospital.
