Music Therapy as an Intervention for Children with Cancer in Isolation Rooms

Medical treatment for cancer often involves chemotherapy and radiation. Though beneficial in concept, the side effects are many. Prolonged chemotherapy consequently results in susceptibility to bacterial and viral infection, often necessitating that the child be placed in isolation. Music therapy has recently been shown to be more effective in stimulating verbalization of hospital experiences, resolving anxiety and fear-provoking fantasies, and aiding more positive affect than other therapies. At Hadassah University Hospital in Ein-Kerem, Jerusalem, Israel, music therapy has become a primary intervention for pediatric oncology patients in isolation rooms. Utilizing the Omnichord System Two (a musiccomputer of advanced microtechnology) and various song activities, children are offered a means to participate in interpersonal interactions and shared musical experiences. These encounters support the mobilization of ego strengths and coping abilities, as well as provide a vehicle for the much needed expression of emotions. Four case vignettes illustrate these interventions.