P3.J181: Forging interpersonal connections in pediatric palliative care through biomusic: A pilot study

Background: Many children in palliative care face major communication challenges that can profoundly impact their quality of life and lead to feelings of frustration and distress in their caregivers. Biomusic is a novel technology that can enable caregivers to “tune in” to children’s internal reactions to interactions and stimuli and can be integrated into memory-making activities. The objectives of this pilot study were (1) to adapt Biomusic to context of pediatric palliative care, and (2) to assess the efficacy of this technology as a memory-making tool

Methods: We conducted a mixed-methods, prospective study according to the principles of participatory design at Le Phare, a pediatric palliative care center in Montreal, Canada. Dyads consisting of a minimally communicative child receiving services at Le Phare and their primary caregiver were recruited to this study. An initial session involved customizing a Biomusic sonification to match the idiosyncratic physiological patterns and musical preferences of each dyad. Subsequently, the dyad participated in a memory-making experience facilitated by a member of the Biomusic team. Parents were also asked about their impression of Biomusic in a post-experience interview and Biomusic from a significant moment was extracted and preserved in a music box, which was then presented to the dyad in a stuffed animal or ornamented box.

Results: Biomusic was created for five dyads (n=5) consisting of a mother-son pair. Caregivers described the memory-making experiences as “calming”, “moving” and “beautiful”. One caregiver expressed gratitude for the opportunity to communicate with her son. Biomusic had the greatest impact when the choice of sonification was most meaningful to both the child and parent.

Conclusion: Biomusic shows promise as a powerful memory-making tool for children in palliative care and their caregivers, and as a means of generating a meaningful form of interaction within this dyad.