ORCID
- Patricia Schofield: 0000-0003-4242-754X
- Philip R. Debruyne: 0000-0001-5438-9697
Abstract
Objectives: This systematic review seeks to provide an in-depth overview of current research on tele-music interventions in supportive cancer care and identifies key areas where further research is warranted. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted across four electronic databases (Scopus, Embase, Web of Science, and PubMed) without any data restrictions and according to the PRISMA guidelines. The primary outcome measure was the effect of tele-music interventions on psychosocial functioning. Results: Of the 2.043 articles initially identified, nine studies met the inclusion criteria and were selected for qualitative analysis. Among the music interventions, considerable variation was observed regarding delivery format and techniques employed. Most interventions were delivered remotely through Zoom, and in all but one study, a music therapist was involved. Outcome measures addressed various psychosocial and physical symptoms, most frequently anxiety, for which findings were mixed: three studies reported significant reductions, whereas two others observed no or only limited improvement. Conclusions: The results suggest that tele-music interventions are effective in reducing a range of cancer-related symptoms, including stress, anxiety, depression, and pain. However, the heterogeneity in study designs and methodological limitations hampered direct comparison and overall effectiveness assessment. Additionally, digital technologies hold considerable potential for the accessible and cost-effective delivery of music interventions.
DOI Link
Publication Date
2025-01-01
Publication Title
Brain Sciences
Volume
15
Issue
12
Acceptance Date
2025-11-23
Deposit Date
2026-06-01
Funding
This work was supported through the Departmental Investment Fund (DIF) of the Departments of Medical Oncology, Hematology, and Radiotherapy of AZ Groeninge, Kortrijk, Belgium.
Additional Links
Keywords
complementary care, music interventions, music therapy, psychosocial functioning, supportive cancer care, telehealth
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Recommended Citation
Mertens, L., Tack, L., Boterberg, T., Fachner, J., Muller-Rodriguez, L., Vandeweyer, M., Demasure, S., Hanssens, M., Loyson, T., Goethals, L., Kindts, I., Denys, H., Schofield, P., Najlah, M., & Debruyne, P. (2025) 'The Use of Tele-Music Interventions in Supportive Cancer Care: A Systematic Review', Brain Sciences, 15(12). Available at: 10.3390/brainsci15121266
