WHAT IS A CLINICAL MUSICIAN?
Clinical Musicians are trained to support the work of health care professionals by playing appropriate music at the bedsides of the ill and/or dying in hospital and hospice settings.
The work of a Clinical Musician differs from that of a Music Therapist in that it is not an interactive therapy; it is music only, which is offered unobtrusively.
WHY IS TRAINING NECESSARY?
It's easy to assume that any good musician can offer live music in a clinical environment, but because of such issues as clinical protocol, use of specific styles of music for specific types of patients, and understanding the vast difference between service and performance, clinical training is an absolute necessity. It is also necessary to communicate and work with medical personnel effectively. Like any other health care professional, the Clinical Musician is well-educated in confidentiality, infection control, and legal issues.
WHAT DOES MUSIC DO FOR PATIENTS?
Music at the bedside has been shown, through numerous studies, to be effective in pain management, stress reduction, immune system response, and mood enhancement. The music played is based on the needs of the patient.
Advanced Certified Clinical Musicians are trained to play in ER, Pre-and Post-op, ICU, CCU, NICU, Oncology, and for general care patients. Medical interventions and family visits may proceed as usual during the music session. Instrument volume is pleasant and does not disturb the patient or others in nearby rooms, and does not disrupt medical care.
WHY NOT USE RECORDED MUSIC?
The Clinical Musician represents a warm and caring presence in the patient's room for the duration of the music session, and is able to respond musically to the needs of the patient from moment to moment, whereas recorded music cannot do this. Additionally, the acoustic tones of a live, non-amplified instrument are far more effective than the digitized, filtered and compressed tones and frequencies of a CD.
HOW IS A CLINICAL MUSICIAN TRAINED?
To become certified, a Clinical Musician candidate must complete a course
of study approved by the National Standards Board. An Advanced Certified
Clinical Musician (ACCM) has completed a rigorous course of study, including:
1. clinical deportment and protocol
2. monitoring equipment overviews
3. anatomy/physiology overviews
4. hospice training
5. patient populations/departments
6. repertoire styles for specific patient needs
7. codes/legal issues/corporate compliance/confidentiality
8. infection control
9. advanced musical skills
10. business training
11. completion of a 45-hour internship in an approved medical facility