Group music therapy in a paediatric oncology ward : working with a wide open group in a wide open space

Abstract

This mini-dissertation is structured as a clinical inquiry based on a detailed analysis of music therapy work with a wide open group at Kalafong Hospital’s paediatric oncology ward. The focus of this inquiry is to characterise ‘working moments’ within a wide open group music therapy context, that appears to be impacted by noise levels, group structures, and a generally busy and unpredictable physical environment. In addition, this clinical inquiry identifies clinical skills employed during ‘working moments’ with a wide open group. Research methods of description, coding, categorising and theme identification are applied in the analysis of three video excerpts and corresponding sessions’ session notes. The chosen excerpts are based on a working definition of ‘working moments’. The findings of this clinical inquiry suggest that characteristics of wide open groups include the following: Breaking social isolation and Shifting from illness to health. It furthermore identifies the roles and tasks of the therapist in a wide open music therapy group. This mini-dissertation also includes a proposed research project that stems directly from the clinical inquiry.