Music as a complementary therapy in a palliative context: literature review

Abstract

Music, present in human life since ancient times, from rituals to moments of passage, is increasingly used as a complementary therapy in holistic care. Palliative care, focused on the patient's well-being and quality of life at the end of life, provides an appropriate framework for the application of music therapy. This paper reviews the literature on the use of this therapy in the palliative field. The results highlight beneficial effects of music therapy on symptom management, quality of life, and psychosocial and spiritual well-being, although some controversy and lack of data homogeneity persist. The conclusion underlines the need to intensify research and expand studies in Spanish, in order to support the universal integration of music as a complementary therapeutic tool in palliative care.