Developing music streaming as an adjunct digital therapy for depression: A survey study to assess support from key stakeholders

Abstract

• Stakeholders agreed there is a need for innovative therapies to treat depression • Eighty-eight percent of stakeholders support digital therapeutics for depression • Patients and caregivers show strong support of music streaming as depression therapy Advancements in digital health technologies, including mobile medical apps and therapeutic video games, have shown clinical benefits in people living with chronic diseases. To improve therapy outcomes of antidepressants or cognitive behavioral therapies, music-based modulation of affective states can be employed in digital therapeutics for depression. This study aimed to evaluate whether key stakeholders support development of music streaming as an adjunct digital therapy for depression. A survey was distributed to individuals who identified as people living with depression and their caregivers, healthcare providers, healthcare insurance companies, pharmaceutical/medical device industry, internet/software/electronic companies, musicians/artists/audio engineers, and regulatory consultants. The online questionnaire included Likert-scale questions assessing the participant's level of support for developing music streaming as an adjunct therapy for depression. Out of 81 total responses, 69 responses were complete. Thirty-eight (55%) responders identified as a patient living with depression or their caregiver. The remaining 31 participants (45%) identified as other key stakeholders. There was a significant interest in developing music streaming as adjunct digital therapy for depression; 88% percent of responders selected “strongly agree” or “somewhat agree” on the statement “ I support development of music streaming as digital therapy for depression ”. Small sample size and potential selection bias are limitations of this study. Among identified key stakeholders, there is an interest in the development of music streaming as an adjunct digital therapy for depression. Our study confirms opportunities for incorporating music as an “active ingredient” in adjunct digital therapies for depression.