Music Therapy and Social Work Telehealth for Healthy Aging

(Melo-SWell Trial)

No longer recruiting at 2 trial locations

Overseen By Allison Gibson, PhD

Age: 65+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Alaine E Hernandez, PhD

Disqualifiers: Substance use disorder, Sensory impairment, others

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: Unknown

Duration: 4 weeks

What You Need to Know Before You Apply

What is the purpose of this trial?

This trial tests whether combining music therapy and social work support through telehealth can improve the well-being and mental function of older adults, including those with dementia. Researchers aim to determine if this approach reduces loneliness and facilitates access to services for older adults. The trial includes two groups: one where music therapists and social workers collaborate (Collaborative Social Work Telehealth) and another where they work separately. This trial may suit older adults living in Kentucky who can use Zoom, with assistance from a friend or family member if needed. As an unphased trial, it offers participants a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research aimed at enhancing the quality of life for older adults.

Do I need to stop my current medications to join the trial?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications. It focuses on music therapy and social work support, so it's unlikely that your medications will be affected, but you should check with the research team to be sure.

What prior data suggests that this telehealth approach is safe for older adults?

Research has shown that using telehealth to combine music therapy and social work is well-received by older adults. In past studies, participants found this approach helpful and easy to accept. No reports of serious side effects emerged, indicating safety for older adults, even those with dementia. The telehealth services aim to boost overall well-being and reduce loneliness. While the current study will further test its effectiveness, earlier research supports that this method is safe and beneficial. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Why are researchers excited about this trial?

Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores how telehealth can promote healthy aging in a unique way. Unlike traditional methods that might rely on in-person sessions, this trial examines the potential of combining social work and music therapy through telehealth, making these services more accessible for older adults. What's particularly intriguing is the collaborative arm, where social workers and music therapists work together, using insights from music therapy to tailor social work sessions. This innovative approach could lead to more personalized and effective wellness strategies for aging individuals, potentially transforming how we support healthy aging.

What evidence suggests that this trial's telehealth services could be effective for improving well-being in older adults?

This trial will compare two approaches: a collaborative approach where music therapists and social workers work together, and a non-collaborative approach where they operate independently. Research has shown that combining music therapy with social work support through online services can help older adults feel better and less lonely. Previous studies found that this approach reduces anxiety and depression. It also helps older adults connect with community services, which is crucial for them. Using online services makes access easier for those with transportation or mobility issues. This method has shown promise in improving the overall quality of life for older adults, whether or not they have dementia. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Who Is on the Research Team?

Alaine E Reschke-Hernandez, PhD

Principal Investigator

University of Kentucky

Allison Gibson, PhD

Principal Investigator

St. Louis University

Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?

This trial is for older adults aged 65 or above, living in Kentucky, who speak English. Participants should be able to use Zoom or have someone to help them with it. It's not for those with substance use disorders or significant sensory impairments that affect Zoom usage, nor current recipients of music therapy and social work.

Inclusion Criteria

I am familiar with or have someone to help me use video call apps like Zoom.

I am 65 years old or older.

English-speaking

Exclusion Criteria

I am currently receiving music therapy or have a social work case manager.

Significant sensory impairment that interferes with Zoom use

Substance use disorder, which could present a confounding variable relative to the aims

Timeline for a Trial Participant

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

2 weeks

Enrollment and Randomization

Participants are enrolled, stratified, and randomly assigned to either the collaborative or non-collaborative condition

2 weeks

Treatment

Participants receive music therapy and social work interventions via telehealth

4 weeks

Weekly telehealth sessions

Follow-up

Social work follow-up sessions to monitor well-being and service quality

2 weeks

Telehealth sessions

Program Evaluation

Participants and interventionists engage in semi-structured qualitative interviews to evaluate the program

1 week

What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?

Interventions

• Collaborative Social Work Telehealth
• Independent Social Work Telehealth
• Music Therapy Telehealth

Trial Overview The study tests if telehealth services combining music therapy and social work can improve well-being and cognition in older adults. It compares two methods: one where participants receive both therapies independently, and another where the therapies are coordinated collaboratively.

How Is the Trial Designed?

Group I: Collaborative Experimental Treatment 2 Interventions

Social workers and music therapists work together, and information collected during music therapy informs social work wellness sessions following a protocol developed during the feasibility study. There are 3 blocks of activities, identical to the non-collaborative arm: * Weeks 1-2: enrollment, stratification, random assignment * Weeks 3-6: music therapy and social work interventions * Weeks 7-8: social work follow up.

Group II: Non-Collaborative Placebo Group 2 Interventions

Social workers and music therapists operate independently. There are 3 blocks of activities, identical to the collaborative arm: * Weeks 1-2: enrollment, stratification, random assignment * Weeks 3-6: music therapy and social work interventions * Weeks 7-8: social work follow up.

Collaborative Social Work Telehealth is already approved in United States for the following indications:

Approved in United States as Collaborative Social Work Telehealth for:

• Improving well-being of older adults
• Reducing loneliness
• Improving cognition
• Supporting older adults with and without dementia

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Alaine E Hernandez, PhD

Lead Sponsor

Trials

2

Recruited

70+

American Music Therapy Association

Collaborator

Trials

4

Recruited

80+

American Music Therapy Association

Collaborator

Trials

4

Recruited

80+

Published Research Related to This Trial

Telehealth has opened new avenues for music therapy, allowing therapists to enhance therapeutic outcomes by utilizing technology as a tool for client engagement and relationship building.

The study highlights specific strategies for music therapists, such as screen-sharing and encouraging clients to use technology for self-disclosure, which can improve client agency and self-efficacy during virtual sessions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Embracing Technological Possibilities in the Telehealth Delivery of Interactive Music Therapy. Cephas, AS., Sofield, S., Millstein, A.[2023]

The transition of Neurologic Music Therapy (NMT) services from in-person to telehealth was generally successful, with all NMT domains being transferable, although some techniques like rhythmic auditory stimulation were less frequently used in telehealth sessions.

Key benefits of telehealth NMT included continued service delivery during COVID-19, increased accessibility for remote clients, and enhanced caregiver involvement, despite facing technological challenges and a reduction in overall clinical hours compared to in-person sessions.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Neurologic Music Therapy via Telehealth: A Survey of Clinician Experiences, Trends, and Recommendations During the COVID-19 Pandemic. Cole, LP., Henechowicz, TL., Kang, K., et al.[2021]

A survey of 572 music therapists from 29 countries revealed that the overall clinical hours for Telehealth Music Therapy (TMT) decreased during the pandemic, and therapists reported lower success rates with TMT compared to in-person sessions.

Despite challenges, many therapists found benefits in TMT, such as increased client access and caregiver involvement, and those who felt TMT had more benefits were more likely to continue using it in the future.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

International Music Therapists' Perceptions and Experiences in Telehealth Music Therapy Provision. Clements-Cortés, A., Pranjić, M., Knott, D., et al.[2023]

Telehealth-based music therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic has proven effective in reducing anxiety and enhancing coping skills for cancer patients, as reported through patient feedback.

While transitioning to a telehealth model presented challenges, such as technology limitations, the program successfully adapted to continue providing music therapy in various settings, including inpatient and outpatient care.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Implementing Telehealth Music Therapy Services in an Integrative Oncology Setting: A Case Series. Folsom, S., Christie, AJ., Cohen, L., et al.[2021]

In a study involving 269 outpatients with multiple sclerosis across 13 centers, client-centred occupational therapy did not show significant improvements in primary outcomes like disability and participation compared to usual care OT.

While client-centred therapy was favored in terms of process outcomes, it resulted in small negative effects on secondary outcomes such as fatigue and health-related quality of life, suggesting a need to reevaluate its application in practice.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

A cluster randomised controlled trial on the efficacy of client-centred occupational therapy in multiple sclerosis: good process, poor outcome. Eyssen, IC., Steultjens, MP., de Groot, V., et al.[2019]

The study involved 18 older adults and 14 younger children participating in a 4-week distance-based intergenerational music program, which included virtual exchanges and a joint performance, leading to increased comfort levels and improved attitudes between the two age groups.

Both younger and older participants reported positive changes in their preconceived notions about each other, highlighting the effectiveness of combining virtual and live interactions in fostering meaningful cross-age relationships and enhancing the quality of life for older adults.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Examining Cross-Age Experiences in a Distance-Based Intergenerational Music Project: Comfort and Expectations in Collaborating With Opposite Generation Through "Virtual" Exchanges. Belgrave, MJ., Keown, DJ.[2020]

A systematic review of 200 articles identified that videoconferencing for therapeutic interventions in chronic conditions yields clinical outcomes comparable to in-person treatments, supported by evidence from four high-quality randomized controlled trials.

Patient satisfaction with telerehabilitation is generally high, indicating that a strong therapeutic alliance can be formed, although clinical staff reported lower satisfaction levels compared to patients.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Therapeutic videoconferencing interventions for the treatment of long-term conditions. Steel, K., Cox, D., Garry, H.[2018]

Music therapists successfully adapted to remote therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic, primarily using synchronous video calls, although the quality of the studies reviewed was generally low.

Despite challenges, most therapists reported that the benefits of online music therapy outweighed the difficulties, indicating that this approach can be effective as a temporary solution during the pandemic.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Adaptation of Music Therapists' Practice to the Outset of the COVID-19 Pandemic-Going Virtual: A Scoping Review. Kantorová, L., Kantor, J., Hořejší, B., et al.[2021]

The MyGoals system, delivered through telehealth and hybrid formats, demonstrated good feasibility for goal setting and management among adults with chronic conditions, with high scores in credibility, satisfaction, and client engagement based on a mixed-method study involving 17 participants.

Participants reported positive experiences with MyGoals, indicating that it effectively supports personalized goal management, although feedback from interviews suggested areas for improvement.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Feasibility, Client Engagement, and Person-Centeredness of Telehealth Goal Setting and Goal Management Intervention. Kang, E., Chen, J., Foster, ER.[2023]

Telemedicine has been utilized by social workers since the 1950s, primarily in mental health, with increasing use of technologies like telephones, video, and the Internet for psychotherapy.

There is a need for more research on the effectiveness of e-health tools in medical social work, as their application in this field is currently limited despite promising projects.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

E-health tools and social workers. Parker Oliver, D., Demiris, G.[2005]

A pilot study involving 22 telehealth social work encounters in rural outpatient clinics showed that telecommunication services effectively connected patients with social workers and primary care providers.

Feedback from patients and providers indicated high satisfaction with the telehealth social work model, suggesting it is a valuable resource for addressing healthcare needs in underserved populations.

NCBI (Pubmed)

pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Expanding Access to Social Support in Primary Care via Telemedicine: A Pilot Study. Fipps, DC., Vickers, KS., Bergstedt, B., et al.[2022]

Citations

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Effectiveness of a Collaborative Music Therapy and Social ... The goal of this quantitative pilot study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a collaborative music therapy and social work telehealth framework for community- ...

2. trialstoday.org trialstoday.org/list/print/NCT06219148

Music Therapy and Social Work Telehealth for Older Adult ... This study investigates the benefits of using telehealth services, specifically a combination of music therapy and social work support, to improve the well- ...

3. withpower.com withpower.com/trial/phase-telemedicine-1-2024-72376

Music Therapy and Social Work Telehealth for Healthy Aging · ... This study investigates the benefits of using telehealth services, specifically a combination of music therapy and social work support, to improve the ...

4. researchgate.net researchgate.net/publication/376823089_Development_of_a_collaborative_music_therapy_and_social_work_telehealth_framework_to_address_the_well-being_of_community-dwelling_older_adults

Development of a collaborative music therapy and social ... Quantitative outcomes included self‐reported feelings, anxiety, depression, and loneliness to inform the utility of this framework to improve ...

5. academic.oup.com academic.oup.com/mtp/article/40/1/84/6494521

Telehealth Music Therapy Services in the United States With ... The purpose of this study was to describe music therapy telehealth practices with older adults in the United States including information related to session ...