Supporting Health Care Heroes through Music Therapy

HAP-led initiative promotes resiliency, well-being of front-line staff

February 23, 2022

Several Pennsylvania hospitals are beginning to implement music therapy programs to support their front-line staff through a first-of-its-kind initiative led by HAP.

The statewide collaborative empowers hospitals to custom-design programs with a particular focus on the resiliency and well-being of front-line workers who are responding to the COVID-19 pandemic. The effort is facilitated by HAP and supported by the Pennsylvania Council on the Arts, a state agency funded by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

During December, HAP announced the first five participants:

• Einstein Medical Center Montgomery
• Jefferson Health
• Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center
• Pottstown Hospital – Tower Health
• Temple University Hospital - Episcopal Campus

More Pennsylvania hospitals will have the opportunity to apply for grants to support their staff through music therapy during the second and third phases of the initiative. A combined total of ten additional grants will be awarded during those phases.

Music therapy is an evidence-based tool that has been shown to be effective in supporting health care workers experiencing compassion fatigue and burnout. It can also promote positive changes in mood, increase a sense of control, lower blood pressure, reduce heart rate, relax muscle tension, and build resiliency. In workplace settings, it has been found to help promote well-being and psychological health, manage occupational stress and health risks, and strengthen organizational welfare.

For more information, contact Elizabeth (Beth) Murray, M.Ed., RN, MCHES, HN-BC, readmissions project manager, or Mary Marshall, director, workforce and professional development.