Melissa Mercadal-Brotons | Escola Superior de Música de Catalunya (original) (raw)
Papers by Melissa Mercadal-Brotons
Deleted Journal, Jul 18, 2015
Deleted Journal, May 9, 2015
The use of music for therapeutic purposes has a long history in Spain. For many years, clinical p... more The use of music for therapeutic purposes has a long history in Spain. For many years, clinical practice, training and research related to music therapy have been present in the country. Several people, from different areas of the country, have acted as pioneers, contributing great effort and dedication to the establishment of this profession. However, perhaps because these pioneering efforts lacked unity or failed to follow similar directions, there is still a long way to go before this discipline and profession becomes consolidated and integrated within the education and health systems in our country, and recognized by the competent authorities. To advance along this way, we believe that it is important and necessary to analyze where this profession lies at present with regard to a variety of questions, in order to identify those aspects which hinder its development and consolidation.
Current clinical neurology, 2023
BMC Psychology, Dec 4, 2023
Background Physical and psychological distress may occur in patients facing an onco-haematologica... more Background Physical and psychological distress may occur in patients facing an onco-haematological diagnosis and undergoing complex therapies such as intensive chemotherapy, stem cell transplantation, and immunotherapy. Studies have shown the need for incorporating different therapeutic modalities to respond to patients' physical and psychosocial needs. Aims The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of music therapy treatment on mood, anxiety, depression, and physical discomfort in hospitalized onco-haematological patients. Methods Forty patients were included in this music therapy study from November 2021 to May 2023. Treatment consisted of individual weekly music therapy sessions. Participants completed the following evaluation instruments before and after the intervention: the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Profile of Mood States-Short Form AVersion (POMS-A), and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer-Quality of Life Core Questionnaire-30 (EORTC QLQ-C30). A three-item numerical rating scale (NRS) for anxiety, sadness, and physical discomfort was administered at the beginning and end of each session (pre-/postsession). Results Differences (p < 0.05) were shown in NRS scores for anxiety, sadness, and physical discomfort before and after the music therapy sessions. Quality of life (QoL) was affected in almost all items, and patients could be anxious at a nonclinical level, but they were clinically depressed. EORTC QLQ-C30 scores for insomnia and pain related to the hospitalization process got worse after discharge. Conclusions The interim results of our study showed that music therapy sessions can positively change emotional distress and improve the mood of haematological patients after every session. Despite the difficulties and limitations of this study, this preliminary report contributes to a greater understanding of the potential benefits of music therapy in hospitalized onco-haematological patients.
Deleted Journal, Sep 14, 2015
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Apr 19, 2023
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY
DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals), Oct 1, 2018
Physical and psychological distress may be present when facing an onco-hematological diagnosis an... more Physical and psychological distress may be present when facing an onco-hematological diagnosis and undergoing complex therapies such as intensive chemotherapy, stem cell transplantation, and immunotherapy. Studies show the need for incorporating different therapeutic modalities to respond to patients’ physical and psychosocial needs. Aims: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a music therapy treatment on mood, anxiety, depression, and physical discomfort of onco-hematological inpatient/hospitalized patients. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight patients participated in a music therapy program. Treatment consisted of individual weekly music therapy sessions. Participants completed the following evaluation instruments before and after the intervention (pre/post-treatment): HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), POMS-A (Profile of Mood States - Short Form A-Version), Quality of Life EORTC QLQ-C30 (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer...
Music and Dementia
This chapter presents a review of the scientific literature published in English and Spanish conc... more This chapter presents a review of the scientific literature published in English and Spanish concerning the use of music and music therapy with people in the advanced stages of all types of dementia. The aim of this review was to identify the needs of this client group, areas addressed in music therapy and music interventions, specific techniques which appear to be the most appropriate and effective, and other methodological issues that have arisen when working with this population. Based on the results of this literature review, a list of criteria and recommendations is provided to guide music therapists in the selection of appropriate music-therapy interventions and to assist caregivers to make informed choices on how to use appropriate music-based interventions with clients in the late stages of dementia.
Music and Medicine, 2021
The demographic global changes in societies, coupled with the increase of life expectancy, have r... more The demographic global changes in societies, coupled with the increase of life expectancy, have resulted in common disease processes at older ages...
Music and Medicine, 2021
The therapeutic benefits of music are well recognized in care for the elderly and especially for ... more The therapeutic benefits of music are well recognized in care for the elderly and especially for people with dementia (PWD). Currently, music-based programs occur at different levels and by a variety of professionals. The challenge is to ensure that music is provided in a positive and beneficial way. There is a need for clinical practice guidelines, based on research outcomes in order to guarantee reliable music therapy and music-based intervention procedures for people with dementia (PWD) so that these interventions are properly implemented by professional music therapists, other health allied professionals as well as caregivers. This paper reflects on this need in order to guarantee successful best practices in the use of music with PWD.
La identidad del musicoterapeuta ha sido un tema estudiado tanto a nivel internacional como a niv... more La identidad del musicoterapeuta ha sido un tema estudiado tanto a nivel internacional como a nivel nacional. Este articulo presenta resultados preliminares de un estudio exploratorio-descriptivo que se realizo a partir de grupos de discusion, para conocer con mas profundidad la situacion actual de la musicoterapia en Espana. Para ello se obtuvo una categorizacion de temas y contenidos siendo uno de los temas el de profesionalizacion. Este constaba de cinco contenidos siendo uno de ellos el del perfil profesional del musicoterapeuta. La parte de identidad del musicoterapeuta que se presenta en este estudio formaba parte de este contenido, especialmente en lo referente a actitudes y sentimientos del musicoterapeuta. Los resultados obtenidos se comentan ampliamente y se exponen propuestas de avance para mejorar la situacion, asi como para contribuir al reconocimiento y consolidacion de la musicoterapia en Espana. Palabras clave: Musicoterapeuta; Identidad profesional; Perfil profesion...
Music and Medicine, 2021
This paper defines the common needs of people with dementia, and how these can be addressed throu... more This paper defines the common needs of people with dementia, and how these can be addressed through clinical music therapy and music-based approaches. It describes different types of dementia, brain activity, and functioning, as they relate to differential responses of people with dementia to music. The article explores the ways music affects and can affect behavior, and views how the research literature documents responsiveness to music. Implications of these findings for music therapy practices are also provided
Frontiers in Medicine, Mar 24, 2020
Gaceta Mexicana de Oncología, 2015
Resumen El cáncer puede comportar distrés físico y emocional. El distrés puede ser una reacción n... more Resumen El cáncer puede comportar distrés físico y emocional. El distrés puede ser una reacción normal y adaptativa de los pacientes oncológicos, pero puede también dificultar el ajuste psicológico y, en algunas ocasiones, puede llevar a trastornos psicopatológicos. Las intervenciones psicológicas, así como otras modalidades de tratamiento, suelen ir dirigidas a reducir los síntomas de distrés y a mejorar la calidad de vida de los pacientes con cáncer. Numerosos estudios han demostrado la eficacia de la musicoterapia en contextos médicos y oncológicos. El objetivo de este artículo es presentar la musicoterapia como una intervención coadyuvante, que ofrece un enfoque multimodal y holístico, y que permite cubrir las necesidades físicas, psicosociales y espirituales de los pacientes con cáncer.
Journal of Music Therapy, 2010
The purpose of this study was: (a) To evaluate and to compare the impact of three music programs ... more The purpose of this study was: (a) To evaluate and to compare the impact of three music programs (choir, music appreciation and preventive music therapy sessions) on the quality of life of healthy older adults, and (b) to identify the motivations and the difficulties that seniors encounter when participating in activities of this type, in order to come up with recommendations and strategies for the design of appropriate programs for older adults. A pre-posttest quasi-experimental design without equivalent control group was used in this project. The sample included 83 persons over 65 years of age. The data collection was carried out through an ad hoc questionnaire that included the four aspects of the construct of quality of life (physical health, subjective health, psychological well-being and interpersonal relations), a questionnaire on motivation and another on satisfaction about the program. This questionnaire on quality of life was administered twice: at the beginning of the programs (pretest) and at the end (posttest). The results of this study indicate that the participants perceived improvements in some aspects of their quality of life. In addition, the main reasons which motivate participation in these musical activities are to broaden the social network and to acquire new knowledge. The results are discussed in the light of the challenges of active and satisfactory aging.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY
Psychology of Music, 2016
Deleted Journal, Jul 18, 2015
Deleted Journal, May 9, 2015
The use of music for therapeutic purposes has a long history in Spain. For many years, clinical p... more The use of music for therapeutic purposes has a long history in Spain. For many years, clinical practice, training and research related to music therapy have been present in the country. Several people, from different areas of the country, have acted as pioneers, contributing great effort and dedication to the establishment of this profession. However, perhaps because these pioneering efforts lacked unity or failed to follow similar directions, there is still a long way to go before this discipline and profession becomes consolidated and integrated within the education and health systems in our country, and recognized by the competent authorities. To advance along this way, we believe that it is important and necessary to analyze where this profession lies at present with regard to a variety of questions, in order to identify those aspects which hinder its development and consolidation.
Current clinical neurology, 2023
BMC Psychology, Dec 4, 2023
Background Physical and psychological distress may occur in patients facing an onco-haematologica... more Background Physical and psychological distress may occur in patients facing an onco-haematological diagnosis and undergoing complex therapies such as intensive chemotherapy, stem cell transplantation, and immunotherapy. Studies have shown the need for incorporating different therapeutic modalities to respond to patients' physical and psychosocial needs. Aims The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of music therapy treatment on mood, anxiety, depression, and physical discomfort in hospitalized onco-haematological patients. Methods Forty patients were included in this music therapy study from November 2021 to May 2023. Treatment consisted of individual weekly music therapy sessions. Participants completed the following evaluation instruments before and after the intervention: the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Profile of Mood States-Short Form AVersion (POMS-A), and European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer-Quality of Life Core Questionnaire-30 (EORTC QLQ-C30). A three-item numerical rating scale (NRS) for anxiety, sadness, and physical discomfort was administered at the beginning and end of each session (pre-/postsession). Results Differences (p < 0.05) were shown in NRS scores for anxiety, sadness, and physical discomfort before and after the music therapy sessions. Quality of life (QoL) was affected in almost all items, and patients could be anxious at a nonclinical level, but they were clinically depressed. EORTC QLQ-C30 scores for insomnia and pain related to the hospitalization process got worse after discharge. Conclusions The interim results of our study showed that music therapy sessions can positively change emotional distress and improve the mood of haematological patients after every session. Despite the difficulties and limitations of this study, this preliminary report contributes to a greater understanding of the potential benefits of music therapy in hospitalized onco-haematological patients.
Deleted Journal, Sep 14, 2015
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health, Apr 19, 2023
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY
DOAJ (DOAJ: Directory of Open Access Journals), Oct 1, 2018
Physical and psychological distress may be present when facing an onco-hematological diagnosis an... more Physical and psychological distress may be present when facing an onco-hematological diagnosis and undergoing complex therapies such as intensive chemotherapy, stem cell transplantation, and immunotherapy. Studies show the need for incorporating different therapeutic modalities to respond to patients’ physical and psychosocial needs. Aims: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effectiveness of a music therapy treatment on mood, anxiety, depression, and physical discomfort of onco-hematological inpatient/hospitalized patients. Materials and Methods: Twenty-eight patients participated in a music therapy program. Treatment consisted of individual weekly music therapy sessions. Participants completed the following evaluation instruments before and after the intervention (pre/post-treatment): HADS (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale), POMS-A (Profile of Mood States - Short Form A-Version), Quality of Life EORTC QLQ-C30 (European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer...
Music and Dementia
This chapter presents a review of the scientific literature published in English and Spanish conc... more This chapter presents a review of the scientific literature published in English and Spanish concerning the use of music and music therapy with people in the advanced stages of all types of dementia. The aim of this review was to identify the needs of this client group, areas addressed in music therapy and music interventions, specific techniques which appear to be the most appropriate and effective, and other methodological issues that have arisen when working with this population. Based on the results of this literature review, a list of criteria and recommendations is provided to guide music therapists in the selection of appropriate music-therapy interventions and to assist caregivers to make informed choices on how to use appropriate music-based interventions with clients in the late stages of dementia.
Music and Medicine, 2021
The demographic global changes in societies, coupled with the increase of life expectancy, have r... more The demographic global changes in societies, coupled with the increase of life expectancy, have resulted in common disease processes at older ages...
Music and Medicine, 2021
The therapeutic benefits of music are well recognized in care for the elderly and especially for ... more The therapeutic benefits of music are well recognized in care for the elderly and especially for people with dementia (PWD). Currently, music-based programs occur at different levels and by a variety of professionals. The challenge is to ensure that music is provided in a positive and beneficial way. There is a need for clinical practice guidelines, based on research outcomes in order to guarantee reliable music therapy and music-based intervention procedures for people with dementia (PWD) so that these interventions are properly implemented by professional music therapists, other health allied professionals as well as caregivers. This paper reflects on this need in order to guarantee successful best practices in the use of music with PWD.
La identidad del musicoterapeuta ha sido un tema estudiado tanto a nivel internacional como a niv... more La identidad del musicoterapeuta ha sido un tema estudiado tanto a nivel internacional como a nivel nacional. Este articulo presenta resultados preliminares de un estudio exploratorio-descriptivo que se realizo a partir de grupos de discusion, para conocer con mas profundidad la situacion actual de la musicoterapia en Espana. Para ello se obtuvo una categorizacion de temas y contenidos siendo uno de los temas el de profesionalizacion. Este constaba de cinco contenidos siendo uno de ellos el del perfil profesional del musicoterapeuta. La parte de identidad del musicoterapeuta que se presenta en este estudio formaba parte de este contenido, especialmente en lo referente a actitudes y sentimientos del musicoterapeuta. Los resultados obtenidos se comentan ampliamente y se exponen propuestas de avance para mejorar la situacion, asi como para contribuir al reconocimiento y consolidacion de la musicoterapia en Espana. Palabras clave: Musicoterapeuta; Identidad profesional; Perfil profesion...
Music and Medicine, 2021
This paper defines the common needs of people with dementia, and how these can be addressed throu... more This paper defines the common needs of people with dementia, and how these can be addressed through clinical music therapy and music-based approaches. It describes different types of dementia, brain activity, and functioning, as they relate to differential responses of people with dementia to music. The article explores the ways music affects and can affect behavior, and views how the research literature documents responsiveness to music. Implications of these findings for music therapy practices are also provided
Frontiers in Medicine, Mar 24, 2020
Gaceta Mexicana de Oncología, 2015
Resumen El cáncer puede comportar distrés físico y emocional. El distrés puede ser una reacción n... more Resumen El cáncer puede comportar distrés físico y emocional. El distrés puede ser una reacción normal y adaptativa de los pacientes oncológicos, pero puede también dificultar el ajuste psicológico y, en algunas ocasiones, puede llevar a trastornos psicopatológicos. Las intervenciones psicológicas, así como otras modalidades de tratamiento, suelen ir dirigidas a reducir los síntomas de distrés y a mejorar la calidad de vida de los pacientes con cáncer. Numerosos estudios han demostrado la eficacia de la musicoterapia en contextos médicos y oncológicos. El objetivo de este artículo es presentar la musicoterapia como una intervención coadyuvante, que ofrece un enfoque multimodal y holístico, y que permite cubrir las necesidades físicas, psicosociales y espirituales de los pacientes con cáncer.
Journal of Music Therapy, 2010
The purpose of this study was: (a) To evaluate and to compare the impact of three music programs ... more The purpose of this study was: (a) To evaluate and to compare the impact of three music programs (choir, music appreciation and preventive music therapy sessions) on the quality of life of healthy older adults, and (b) to identify the motivations and the difficulties that seniors encounter when participating in activities of this type, in order to come up with recommendations and strategies for the design of appropriate programs for older adults. A pre-posttest quasi-experimental design without equivalent control group was used in this project. The sample included 83 persons over 65 years of age. The data collection was carried out through an ad hoc questionnaire that included the four aspects of the construct of quality of life (physical health, subjective health, psychological well-being and interpersonal relations), a questionnaire on motivation and another on satisfaction about the program. This questionnaire on quality of life was administered twice: at the beginning of the programs (pretest) and at the end (posttest). The results of this study indicate that the participants perceived improvements in some aspects of their quality of life. In addition, the main reasons which motivate participation in these musical activities are to broaden the social network and to acquire new knowledge. The results are discussed in the light of the challenges of active and satisfactory aging.
International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative... more This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY
Psychology of Music, 2016