Evaluating feasibility of the LongSTEP (Longitudinal study of music therapy’s effectiveness for premature infants and their caregivers) protocol with a Polish cohort

Abstract

ABSTRACT Introduction There is evidence that music therapy is beneficial for preterm infants and their caregivers while in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). Although some countries have generated a large amount of good-quality research in this context, Poland has not been involved in any such projects so far. The aim of this study was to evaluate: the acceptability, integrability, and safety of the music therapy intervention; the feasibility of the LongSTEP protocol procedures; and the adaptability of outcome measures to a Polish cohort before joining the definite international LongSTEP trial. Method We included medically stable premature infants and their parents/caregivers. As part of this feasibility study, we offered 2 music therapy sessions per week during the NICU stay and 2 music therapy sessions across a 3-month period post NICU discharge. Feasibility and acceptability data were collected from parents at baseline, 1–2 days prior to discharge, and at the end of treatment. Results Six premature neonates, four mothers, and three fathers were involved. A total of 23 sessions during NICU and 8 post-discharge sessions were included. The findings suggest that it was feasible to implement an abbreviated version of the LongSTEP project within a Polish neonatal setting; therefore Poland would be a feasible site for the definitive trial. Discussion This current project provides clinical insights in a culturally relevant context for the implementation of music therapy within the Polish neonatal healthcare system.