Hospice Administrators' Knowledge of Music Therapy: A Comparative Analysis of Surveys

This study compares results of surveys sent six years apart to 382 hospice administrators seeking their level of knowledge regarding music therapy for the terminally ill, whether or not they currently employ or would like to employ a music therapist, and what obstacles exist in utilizing music therapy in their agencies. The results indicate a need for music therapists to be able to address the financial needs of hospices and to include business aspects of the benefits of music therapy in their marketing endeavors to hospice administrators. Furthermore, colleges and universities training future music therapists need to incorporate end-of-life training in the coursework, practica, and internships to provide a pool of qualified music therapists for hospices to employ.