Corran Crawford

About Corran

Having played music since the age of 10, Corran has always had a passion for using her skills to work with others in various settings. 

During her time at The University of Edinburgh, Corran has specialised in learning about both community music and music therapy. She has been involved in and led two separate community music projects for children with multiple and profound learning difficulties and children with social, emotional and behavioural needs. She has researched the role of improvisation in music therapy and has taken modules relating to music and neuroscience. 

A passion for using music to help others inspired Corran to research how music is currently used in UK healthcare in hopes to raise awareness on the combination of these areas. 

To specialise her learning Corran will be attending Queen Margaret University in September 2024 to complete her MSc in Music Therapy. 

Abstract

This project researched how music is currently used in UK healthcare settings. Despite varying literature published on health benefits music can enable, there is a lack of material addressing the implementation of music in current healthcare practice. This project aimed to address gaps within the research area by obtaining current data results, researching the topic from the perspective of healthcare staff, and focusing specifically within the United Kingdom (UK). To reach these objectives, the research question of ‘How is music currently used in UK healthcare?’ was formed. Responses from 20 healthcare workers were received through an online questionnaire using open and closed questions to address areas related to the research aims. Responses were analysed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Analysis of responses showed that the participants were using music for varying aims/outcomes, mostly in relation to improving wellbeing of people and environments within their workplace. The key findings were as follows: there appears to be a lack of awareness healthcare staff have of literature addressing health benefits of music, healthcare staff also appear unknowing of specialised professionals working specifically within music and healthcare, but despite this, many healthcare professionals are using music in their practice regardless. The findings support previous discussions indicating a lack of translation between healthcare staff, literature detailing of musical-linked health benefits and specialist professionals in this area. The project demonstrated the possible potential music possesses to be used more frequently and concretely in healthcare if the correct educational tools are used to increase awareness in this area.