Strategies to enhance treatment fidelity and music-based intervention reporting in dementia research.

TitleStrategies to enhance treatment fidelity and music-based intervention reporting in dementia research.
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2024
AuthorsReschke-Hernandez AE, Tranel D
JournalTransl Behav Med
Volume14
Issue6
Pagination353-358
Date Published2024 May 24
ISSN1613-9860
KeywordsAged, Aged, 80 and over, Dementia, Female, Humans, Male, Music Therapy, Research Design, Singing
Abstract

Creative solutions are needed to address the well-being of the growing number of individuals living with dementia. Music-based interventions (MBIs) are promising and can be cost-effective; however, empirical evidence for MBIs is limited and published findings have not been widely translated into practice. Here, we describe how we implemented strategies to enhance rigor in a randomized clinical trial of an MBI for persons with dementia. We examined the impact of a singing-based MBI on feelings, emotions, and social engagement, relative to a non-music treatment (verbal discussion), delivered in small group format (25 minutes, 3 times/week for 2 weeks). We implemented National Institutes of Health Behavior Change Consortium strategies regarding: (i) design, (ii) interventionist training, (iii) treatment delivery, (iv) treatment receipt, and (v) treatment skills enactment. We applied the MBI Reporting Criteria including: (i) theoretical framework, (ii) musical content, (iii) dosage, (iv) interventionist, (v) treatment fidelity, (vi) setting, and (vii) delivery unit. We analyzed data with a separate linear mixed model for each dependent variable. 32 older adults with dementia (65-97 years) participated. The MBI yielded significant positive effects on all measured outcomes (all p's < .05). Application of established guidelines enhanced methodological rigor and MBI reproducibility. To support translation of research into practice, clinicians should understand how to implement an MBI reported in research. Our study illustrates practical steps to address the need for improved MBI research in persons with dementia and can provide a model for others to enhance evidence-based practice with this population.

DOI10.1093/tbm/ibae003
Alternate JournalTransl Behav Med
PubMed ID38334197
PubMed Central IDPMC11121062
Grant ListP50 MH094258 / MH / NIMH NIH HHS / United States
P30 AG072946 / AG / NIA NIH HHS / United States
/ / University of Iowa Music Therapy Area /
/ / University of Iowa GOLDRush /
/ / Dr. Richard and Ms. Ellen Caplan /
/ / University of Iowa Office of Outreach and Engagement /
/ / Kiwanis Neuroscience Research Foundation /