7905 Music and rhymetime: a novel group singing improvement project to improve children’s inpatient experience
Published Date: 30th May 2025
Publication Authors: Petkovic. G
Why did you do this work?
This project evaluated staff and parent perceptions of a 20-minute music and rhyme-time group session introduced on a paediatric neurology and long-term ventilation (LTV) ward. Previous research shows music interventions can reduce pain and enhance well-being.1–4 and potentially neurodevelopment.5 However, such interventions are usually offered on a 1:1 basis. However, group interventions are known to be helpful in other contexts, particularly for parental anxiety.6 7
This group-based intervention was novel, with no similar programs identified in other UK paediatric neurology centres based on an informal trainee survey.
What did you do?
A PDSA cycle was developed to introduce a weekly 20-minute music and rhyme-time group session at Alder Hey Children’s Hospital, run by staff or volunteers and open to all patients, carers, and staff. Pre-and post-intervention surveys were conducted with staff and parents on the ward to assess the perceived benefits of this intervention.
What did you find? A Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) cycle was developed to introduce the sessions (figure 1). Responder roles for pre- and post-intervention surveys are shown in figure 2. In the pre-survey (n=10), 90% of respondents believed the sessions would benefit both children and parents, with most (50%) suggesting twice-weekly sessions in the afternoon. Post-survey results (n=12) showed 100% of attendees would recommend the event, with an average recommendation score of 9.8/10. Additionally, 92% found the session beneficial for themself, and 100% of responders felt it helped the patient (although 3 people did not answer this question). Most respondents (75%) felt the 20-minute session was adequate, while 25% thought it was too short. Open comments noted special benefit for long-term patients and families.
What does it mean?
This study found that parents and staff on a paediatric neurology and LTV ward viewed a novel group music and rhyme-time session as helpful. The intervention was beneficial without adding costs to the department. Though direct benefits to children were not measured, improved parent and staff well-being could positively impact patient outcomes, as children of emotionally healthier parents tend to thrive more.8 Further research is needed to assess the benefits of this low-cost intervention.
Petkovic, G; Leow, J. (2025). 7905 Music and rhymetime: a novel group singing improvement project to improve children’s inpatient experience. Archives of Disease in Childhood. 110(Suppl 1), pp.A286-A287. [Online]. Available at: https://doi.org/10.1136/archdischild-2025-rcpch.393 [Accessed 6 October 2025]
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