A Qualitative Investigation into Practitioners’ Perspectives of the Coping-Infused Dialogue through Patient-Preferred Live Music Protocol

Abstract

The Coping-Infused Dialogue through Patient Preferred Live Music (CID-PPLM) protocol was designed to integrate receptive music therapy with a discussion of stressors and coping skills. However, to better understand the advantages and disadvantages of the protocol within the contemporary evidence-based practice framework, investigation with protocol practitioners is warranted. The purpose of this study was to understand practitioners’ perspectives of the CID-PPLM protocol. Specific research questions included practitioners’ perspectives of the following: (1) What are potential advantages of the CID-PPLM protocol and how might it function with adult medical patients? (2) What are potential disadvantages of the CID-PPLM protocol and how might it be improved? Five practitioners participated in individual semi-structured interviews. Themes were identified via thematic analysis. Member checking and trustworthiness were used. Participants had positive, as well as constructive, perceptions of the CID-PPLM. Emerging themes included: CID-PPLM provides choice, control, support, and autonomy; CID-PPLM allows for individualized patient responses within a distinct therapeutic interaction; and the CID-PPLM can be restrictive. Emerging themes and sub-themes can be used to modify the CID-PPLM and provide a framework for new protocols to offer clinicians additional flexibility to best serve adult medical patients. Implications, limitations, and suggestions for future research are provided.