Interview Study with the Medical Providers involved in Music Therapy in Imaging

Objectives: The purpose of this study was to understand the role and what motivates the medical providers included in the Music Therapy in Medical Imaging study. The study aimed at interpreting how these specific medical professionals provide care and try to reduce patient anxiety in this setting. This study analyzed the cognitive awareness possessed by these individual caregivers to adjust to each patient’s needs and provide this care day after day. Methods/Materials: The individual participants in this IRB approved study were identified through the team included in Music Therapy in Medical Imaging study. Once identified, these individuals were contacted by email, telephone call or in person meeting to explain the purpose of this research study. The study subjects gave verbal consent to be included in the interview process and recorded. Interviews were conducted via Zoom recording and transcribed; transcribed materials were de-identified and analyzed, using an open-, axial-, and selective-coding, using distinctive technique of Grounded Theory approach. The subject population included medical care providers involved in the previously mentioned study which uses live music therapy during standard of care medical imaging studies. It was previously determined that medical imaging studies (specifically FDG-PET/CT) may cause anxiety for patients. Anxiety in imaging procedures can lead to negative effects on the patient and the quality of the study. This was a qualitative study and interview questions varied between participants; however, the underlying objectives in the research questions including the following: 1.Determine why a person is drawn to a profession to help others in the music therapy in medical imaging setting. 2.Determine what abilities these individuals have in order to assist another individuals with limited time before the procedure will begin. 3.Determine what the providers consider a successful interaction. 4.Determine how the provider deals with conflict in this professional setting.

Results: Five medical professionals were interviewed for this qualitative study. 5/5 were certified and/or licensed to practice music therapy, nursing, and/or nuclear medicine technology. 5/5 have bachelor’s degrees; 3/5 have advanced master's degrees (one of them had two master's degrees). The personal themes emerged analyzed from these interviews were: 1. Collaboration (including teamwork and dedication to profession), 2.Focused personal interaction (including compassion, empathy, unconditional positive regard, appreciation for the individual), 3.Humility and humor, 4.Determination and forward-thinking. Overall, the interviewed medical professionals were inspired by their patients and by the other medical providers. They cared for the individual patients within the department and their patients overall well-being. These caregivers believed in the good of individuals and tried to show them the respect that each needed. They were constantly motivated to provide the best care and encourage patients to be comfortable with who they are. These caregivers wanted their patients to have the best experiences, to provide and best care, and to lead to the best overall outcomes. Conclusion: The five medical professionals interviewed this this study have a passion for their profession by being care driven, forward-thinking individuals. The interviewees came into their chosen modalities in various ways, but all were driven and determined to succeed. All interviewees were the same age (late 30s) and all had a strong sense of self. The interviewees are driven to better themselves with more training, more education, and/or more certifications. Most of those being interviewed were fueled by providing excellent patient care focused on the individual’s needs.