Describing a Music Therapy Based Socialization Program for an Integrated Stroke Unit
A music therapy program was started at a large multicultural community hospital North of Toronto in September 2023. Situated on the integrated stroke unit, this program has become a cornerstone in after-stroke recovery. The program focuses on lived experiences during and after a stroke and is intended to assist patients with healing and coping. This paper is not a research article. This article describes a novel music therapy program and the core elements. The article will also share satisfaction feedback from both patients and staff involved in the unit. The article also outlines future goals for further integration of music therapy into other aspects of care and treatment on the integrated stroke unit. Currently, the stroke network consisting of 5 district stroke hospitals and many community hospitals, of which this program is situated do not offer any other music therapy programs. There is research happening at a comparably sized hospital within the network with a focus on music and post-stroke depression. Patient feedback about this current program describes the session as catalyst for inspiration, a place to connect, mood-lifting, motivational and reminiscent. Patients also introduce the cultural considerations of the program. Staff feedback echoed the positive experiences of the patients. Staff felt that the patients were eager to participate in and noted a marked difference in behavior/mood after attending. The staff members felt it helped their patients' overall recovery.
DOI: 10.29245/2767-5122/2025/4.1166 View / Download Pdf