Feasibility of Developing a Music Therapy Program for Radiation Oncology Outpatients at a Large Canadian Cancer Center: A Cross-Sectional Survey

IntroductionMusic therapy (MT) is increasingly recognized as a supportive care intervention in oncology.The 2023 Society for Integrative Oncology-American Society of Clinical Oncology (SIO-ASCO) guideline states that MT or music-based interventions may be offered to adults with cancer during active treatment to improve symptoms of anxiety and depression.However, access to formal MT services remains limited in many cancer centers.We assessed radiation oncology staff awareness, perceptions, and support for developing an outpatient MT program at a large Canadian cancer center. MethodsFollowing Research Ethics Board approval and with guidance from the Canadian Association of Music Therapists (CAMT), we conducted a 19-item anonymous cross-sectional survey of radiation oncology staff.Paper questionnaires were distributed to all staff members and returned in sealed envelopes.Completion and submission of the questionnaire implied consent.No identifying information was collected.Descriptive statistics were used to summarize participant characteristics, awareness and perceptions of MT, perceived clinical relevance, and support for and concerns regarding program implementation. ResultsOf 85 questionnaires distributed, 80 valid responses were received (94.1%).Respondents represented multiple professional groups within radiation oncology.Sixty-six respondents (82.5%) identified as female, and 50 of 79 respondents (63.3%) reported current or previous exposure to music.Although 64 respondents (80.0%) had heard of MT, only five (6.3%) were aware of the CAMT, seven (8.7%) had previously worked in a department offering MT, and one (1.3%) reported being very familiar with the role of a music therapist.Only four respondents (5.0%) were aware of the SIO-ASCO guideline addressing MT.Seventeen respondents (21.3%) characterized MT as an evidence-based clinical therapy delivered by a trained professional, whereas 51 (63.7%) primarily viewed it as the use of music to promote relaxation.Seventy-six respondents (95.0%) considered MT relevant to radiation oncology patients, most commonly for anxiety and emotional distress (91.3%).Seventy respondents (87.5%) believed MT could improve the overall patient experience and supported a pilot MT program.Forty-five respondents (56.3%) reported no concerns regarding implementation; the most common concerns were staffing and space (27.5%), cost and funding (25.0%), and workflow (16.3%). ConclusionsRadiation oncology staff demonstrated strong support for MT despite limited awareness of MT as a professional clinical discipline and limited knowledge of relevant professional and clinical guidelines.Staff education may be an important component of implementation.The high response rate and strong staff support provide preliminary evidence supporting development of a pilot outpatient MT program, although prospective evaluation of operational feasibility, resource requirements, patient uptake, and clinical outcomes is needed.