Live and Jive:Bringing live and personalised music to older people in acute hospitals in NHS Tayside

<b>Background:</b> People with dementia are admitted to hospitals with complex medical and social care needs and experience longer stays often resulting in a decline in independence. People report spells of boredom and inactivity which negatively impacts upon: physical and mental health; engagement with professionals; and hope of returning home (Bliebel et al. 2023; Holmes et al. 2006)<br/><br/> <br/><br/><b>Objectives:</b><br/><br/>- To give people a positive memory of being in hospital<br/>- To provide a personally meaningful non-pharmacological intervention <br/>- To combine the benefits of live and personalised music using accessible digital technology<br/> <br/><br/><b>Methods:</b> A list of music/songs was provided to people with dementia in seven acute wards over three events. Peoples’ personalised music/song choices were performed live and dedicated to them. People too ill to attend watched a live stream of the event. Volunteers supported participants to choose songs and complete evaluations which were thematically analysed (Braun and Clarke 2006).<br/><br/> <br/><br/><b>Themes:</b><br/><br/>- Emotions and feelings: joy and happiness<br/>- Individuality and inclusivity<br/>- Memories and story telling<br/>- Having purpose<br/>- Being active<br/>- Supporting and participating<br/>- A safe space<br/>- Learning and reflection<br/><br/><b>Conclusion:</b> Eight themes illustrate the benefits of personalised, live music for individuals, staff, volunteers, family members and musicians. In acute hospitals, people experiencing distress may have limited access to non-pharmacological interventions which can lead to prescribing of medication affecting recovery.<br/><br/>An unexpected finding was around communication improvements related to the sense of inclusivity experienced through listening to personalised, live music. Additionally, cathartic benefits were experienced by volunteers and musicians supporting patients. Staff experienced happiness observing changes in patients' presentations from sad and withdrawn to happy and animated.