Receptive music therapy versus group music therapy with breast cancer patients hospitalized for surgery.

Hospitalization for breast surgery is a distressing experience for women. This study investigated the impact of music therapy (MT), an integrative approach that is characterized by the establishment of a therapeutic relationship between patients and a certified music therapist, through different musical interventions targeted to the specific needs of the patients. The impact of two different MT experiences was compared on anxiety and distressing emotions. METHODS: One hundred fifty-one patients during hospitalization for breast surgery were randomly assigned to two music therapy treatment arms: individual/receptive (MTri) vs. group/active-receptive integrated (MTiGrp). Stress, depression, anger, and need for help were measured with the emotion thermometers (ET) and State Trait Anxiety Inventory Y-1 form (STAY-Y1). Data were collected before and after the MT intervention. RESULTS: Both types of MT interventions were effective in reducing all the variables: stress, depression, anger, and anxiety (T Student p<0.01). Patients' perception of help received was correlated with a significant reduction in anxiety and distressing emotions during hospitalization for breast surgery. CONCLUSION: Considerations regarding the implementation of MT interventions in clinical practice are discussed. In individual receptive MT, there was a significant decrease in anxiety levels, whereas in the integrated MT group, there was a higher perception of help received and use of inter-individual resources.

Psychosocial distress in oncology: using the distress thermometer for assessing risk classes.

PURPOSE: Cancer patients often suffer for psychological distress, which can compromise their quality of life. Our study aimed to recognize risk classes for the development of psychosocial distress. METHODS: Three hundred seventy-two adult cancer patients were assessed by the Distress Thermometer (DT) and Problem List at the National Cancer Research Centre "Giovanni Paolo II" of Bari. We also compiled a socio-medical and clinical-medical record survey ad hoc for collecting socio-demographic information and clinical variables. To examine the interplay among the different variables and distinguish internally homogeneous subgroups of patients with diverse risks of distress, the RECursive Partitioning and Amalgamation (RECPAM) technique was used. RESULTS: Most of patients were female and the most frequent diagnosis was breast cancer, followed by gastro-intestinal cancer and hematological cancer. Distress was present in 43% of the sample, with a total of 156 patients with a DT > 5. The RECPAM analysis identified three distinct and homogeneous patient subgroups (RECPAM classes) with different risks of distress: diagnosis, marital status, and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group Performance Status. CONCLUSION: The use of the distress thermometer allows clinicians to identify patients with certain characteristics that may increase the risk of developing psychosocial distress. This evaluation can allow timely psychological intervention and improve the patient's therapeutic program.