Treatment of the Whole Person

This article is about healing in the context of the oncology hospital setting. It suggests the benefits of collaborative medicine and its enhancement through music therapy. An empowerment perspective guides its emphasis on the necessity of meeting the psychosocial needs of patients, encouraging participation in treatment, and facilitating a psychologically positive hospital experience through the application of music. A review of the literature and an outline of the specific physical and psychological benefits of music in oncology treatment are provided. The authors argue that psychological symptoms, such as depression and anxiety, which are commonly experienced by long-term hospital patients, can be prevented when oncology care teams follow a philosophy of healing the whole person rather than merely treating an illness. They suggest that researchers and care teams further explore the development of creative arts programs in hospital settings.