Improving Patient Connection and Comfort through Music
- Mark Heyward Johnson's Experience
The Challenge: Emotional Comfort in Acute Care Settings
Mark Heyward Johnson, a nurse with nearly 27 years of experience, including extensive time in patient care and health IT, faced a persistent challenge: how to help patients feel comforted and less anxious in a fast-paced hospital setting.
Working across diverse patient demographics and conditions, he found that building meaningful connections quickly could be difficult, especially in high-stress environments. Patients often felt overwhelmed, isolated, and anxious due to the clinical atmosphere.
The Solution: Integrating Music as a Therapeutic Tool
In his experience, Mark discovered the profound effect that music could have on patients’ well-being. Leveraging platforms like Coro Health’s MusicFirst, Mark was able to offer personalized music experiences to patients, playing songs that resonated with them on an emotional level.
Mark notes, “Playing a familiar song or a meaningful tune can immediately shift a patient’s mood and help them relax.”
For instance, he recalls a powerful moment when he played Leonard Cohen’s “Bird on a Wire” for a patient transitioning to end-of-life care. The song brought peace to both the patient and her family, creating an unforgettable, shared experience.
The Impact: Transformative Experiences for Patients and Staff
The use of music as a therapeutic tool had measurable effects, from reducing patients’ anxiety to improving their overall comfort and relaxation. Mark found that music could ease patient agitation, even lowering vital signs like blood pressure.
Beyond the clinical benefits, music allowed Mark to connect with patients on a personal level, fostering trust and alleviating fears. Patients and families alike expressed gratitude for these moments, as they transformed the often impersonal hospital environment into a compassionate, human-centered experience.
Creating a Supportive Community Through Music
Mark’s use of music has extended beyond individual interactions. By encouraging other healthcare professionals to integrate music into patient care, he has contributed to a culture of empathy and connection. Mark believes that music’s power is unlimited, noting, “It’s a bond—a way to make someone feel seen and understood, especially during their most vulnerable moments.”
Why Therapeutic Music is Essential for Acute Care
Mark’s journey with Coro Health’s MusicFirst highlights the value of music therapy in healthcare settings. “Music is more than just a background noise; it’s a bridge to human connection,” he says. By providing easy-to-use, customizable music options, Coro Health’s platform empowers staff to meet the emotional needs of patients, helping them feel more comfortable and cared for during their hospital stays.
Advice to Healthcare Providers
Mark recommends that every healthcare setting consider integrating music as part of patient care. “Don’t underestimate the power of a song to calm nerves, uplift spirits, or bring peace. “Music is medicine for the soul, and it has a unique ability to make patients feel genuinely cared for.”
Through Mark’s experience, it’s clear that music isn’t just a therapeutic option; it’s an essential part of delivering compassionate, patient-centered care.