Implementing video-based group music therapy during cancer treatment: insights from a mixed-methods study

TL;DR

A video-based group music therapy program was found to be effective and well-accepted by cancer patients, helping reduce anxiety and depression while overcoming physical barriers to in-person sessions.

Contribution

This study demonstrates the feasibility and benefits of video-based group music therapy for cancer patients, addressing access barriers and supporting emotional well-being.

Findings

High attendance and completion rates (90.1% and 87.5%) indicate strong patient engagement with the video-based music therapy sessions.

Participants reported significant reductions in depression and anxiety (p < 0.001) and found the sessions highly helpful (M = 4.77).

Patients and therapists noted emotional closeness and group cohesion despite initial technical challenges.

Abstract

Music therapy is a beneficial supportive intervention in oncology. However, many patients undergoing cancer treatment face treatment-related physical impairments that limit participation in in-person sessions. This study explores the implementation of a video-based group music therapy intervention for patients undergoing tumour therapy.

A mixed-methods, single-arm study was conducted with 40 adult cancer patients. The intervention consisted of eight 90-min video-based group music therapy sessions. Standardized questionnaires and open-ended questions were used pre- and post-intervention. Therapists provided structured feedback after each session. Evaluation was guided by the RE-AIM framework (Reach, Effectiveness, Adoption, Implementation, Maintenance).

Recruitment was efficient, with 40 of 44 screened patients enrolled. Attendance (90.1%) and completion (87.5%) rates were high. Participants rated the intervention as highly helpful (M = 4.77, SD = 0.49), with significant reductions in depression and anxiety (p < 0.001). In their feedback, patients frequently reported shared musical experiences and a sense of emotional closeness as particularly meaningful aspects of the sessions. Therapists observed strong group cohesion despite initial technical challenges. Follow-up data indicated continued use of music in daily life, suggesting lasting impact.

Video-based group music therapy is a feasible and well-accepted intervention for patients undergoing cancer treatment. It addresses access barriers due to treatment-related physical impairments and supports continuity of care. The intervention showed promising results across RE-AIM dimensions, including symptom relief and integration into everyday life. Further studies should assess efficacy and explore adaptations for specific patient subgroups.

German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00032339) (registered August 3, 2023).

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00520-026-10601-5.

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