Practitioners’ Experiences and Recommendations Providing Music Teletherapy for People With Alzheimer’s Dementia

Although practitioners have delivered music therapy via telehealth and researchers have investigated music teletherapy (MTT) using descriptive techniques, there is a lack of knowledge regarding how to implement MTT for people with Alzheimer's dementia (AD). A contextualized understanding of MTT for people with AD from experienced music therapists may help develop guidelines and protocols to increase access to and improve MTT. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to understand music therapists' lived experiences and recommendations providing MTT for people with AD. We conducted individual semistructured interviews with 8 qualified music therapists in the United States who had clinical experience in MTT for people with AD. We analyzed the data using thematic analysis and completed member checks to increase trustworthiness of the data and process. We identified 9 categories: (1) strength-based reconceptualization, (2) service users who can benefit from MTT, (3) clinical objectives in MTT, (4) interventions in MTT, (5) logistical aspects of MTT, (6) procedural implementation aspects, (7) technology considerations, (8) benefits of MTT, and (9) music therapists experienced meaningful fulfillment providing MTT. Categories were supported by 23 subcategories that provide situated context for providing MTT for people with AD. When integrated with an individualized assessment, the findings may help practitioners implement MTT for people with AD. Implications for clinical practice, limitations, and suggestions for future research are provided.