Music Therapy in Pediatric Interdisciplinary Clinics

• Other Authors: Littlefield, Andrew (authoraut)
• Format: Others
• Language: English; English
• Published: Florida State University
• Subjects: Music
• Online Access: http://purl.flvc.org/fsu/fd/FSU_migr_etd-4996

The purpose of this study was to determine the effect, if any, receiving music therapy services has on the satisfaction level and consumer behavior of clients at pediatric interdisciplinary clinics. Pediatric interdisciplinary clinic was defined as a clinic primarily serving clients under the age of 18 and offering at least two of the following allied health services: physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, behavior therapy, music therapy, art therapy, feeding therapy, or tutoring/academic support. Parents and guardians of clients receiving services at three clinics located in the states of Florida, Georgia, and Texas were surveyed using a combination of printed and online questionnaires (N = 42). Participants were divided into two groups: those who receive music therapy services and those who do not. Satisfaction levels and consumer behavior predictors were compared between the two groups. A two sample t-test for independent samples was used to analyze the results. On two of the survey items, music therapy significantly reduced satisfaction levels of clients at pediatric interdisciplinary clinics. Music therapy did not significantly improve satisfaction levels on any survey item. Though not significant, music therapy clients reported higher levels of satisfaction with four clinic services (billing services, art therapy, behavior therapy, and academic instruction/tutoring), the price paid for services at the clinic, the cleanliness and organization of the clinic space, as well as consumer behavior survey items (likelihood to continue services, likelihood to recommend services to others). Despite these findings, mean scores for all groups on all survey items indicate high levels of satisfaction. Implications of these results are discussed, as well as suggested future research. === A Thesis submitted to the College of Music in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Music. === Summer Semester, 2012. === June 15, 2012. === Allied healthcare, Music Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Pediatric, Physical Therapy, Speech Language Pathology === Includes bibliographical references. === Jayne M. Standley, Professor Directing Thesis; Clifford Madsen, Committee Member; Alice-Ann Darrow, Committee Member.