Listening to caregivers' voices about the experience of integrating music therapy-informed activity in community-based rehabilitation in rural India.

Abstract

Background: This project is part of a four-year intercultural collaboration between Indian and Australian stakeholders studying to use of music therapy (MT)-informed activity in community-based rehabilitation (CBR) with disabled children and their families in rural Maharashtra. This paper presents a qualitative study of caregiver perspectives.

Methods: Interviews with four participating caregivers were thematically analysed, with an emphasis on participant voices. The combined thematic analysis of the four interviews revealed shared five themes.

Results: Data analysis revealed caregivers' perception that music in CBR supported existing CBR goals. Furthermore, caregivers reported that music in CBR enhanced motivation and participation for children and families and fostered community connection. Importantly, caregivers noted that music made CBR fun and was a pre-existing resource.

Conclusions: Findings were congruent with research with other stakeholders in the intercultural collaboration. Caregiver perspectives offer new insight into the priorities of families in CBR, which has wider relevance arts and health workers in community-based practice.