The first publication on music therapy in palliative care appeared in 1978. Since then, it has gained recognition as a valuable intervention strategy and support in the care of terminally ill patients. This was evident when 70 professional music therapists presented diverse facets of their work at an international conference on music therapy in palliative care at Michael Sobell House in the UK in September 1994. Key points Music therapy can make a significant contribution to palliative care. By 'music therapy' we mean the intentional use of music in patient care by a professionally trained music therapist.
Music therapy is different from all other forms of therapy.
Music holds unmatched potential for symptom management. The power of music adds meaning to life. On the learning curve at Trinity Hospice Oliver Meir, Medical Student, Munich In Germany, the terminally ill patient is treated more as a major nursing problem than as an individual requiring specialised medical care. This has brought home to me how much the palliative care setting is needed in Germany. It also made me realise how this whole area of work is for the most part ignored in our medical training system, where 'palliative care' is almost never mentioned.