Use of Music Therapy in Pediatric Oncology: an Italian AIEOP Multicentric Survey Study in the Era of COVID-19

Conclusion: This survey represents the starting platform to compare and discuss different experience of MT in AIEOP centers, to implement MT in pediatric oncology for a more qualified assistance to patients, and to improve quality of care.

What Is Known: • Music therapy in pediatric oncology and palliative care can be used for the management and prevention of various somatic and psychological symptoms of patients and often is provided to children together with their families. • In Italy the application of Music therapy in the AIEOP pediatric oncology centers is constantly increasing, but due to the outbreak of Covid-19 Pandemic, Italian pediatric oncology departments were obliged to adopt restrictive measures.

What Is New: • Although the majority of Centres did not abrogate MT interventions, judgment about limitation should be carefully taken since MT helps children and even more adolescents in their fight against cancer. • The best practice of Music therapy in pediatric oncology requires communication and collaboration among qualified music therapists and multidisciplinary care team, using a model of family-centered care that actively involves parents/ caregivers in assessment, treatment planning, and care delivery.