Ethical Issues in Private Practice: A Phenomenological Investigation of Music Therapy Business Owners

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyle Wilhelm ◽  
Lindsey Wilhelm
Keyword(s):  
Music Therapy ◽  
Private Practice ◽  
Phenomenological Study ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Ethical Dilemmas ◽  
The United States ◽  
Business Owners ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Music Therapists

Abstract As a music therapy private practice is both a business and a healthcare service, it should adhere to ethical standards from both disciplines. However, this topic has rarely been examined in the music therapy literature. The purpose of this phenomenological study was to explore ethical dilemmas experienced by music therapy business owners (MTBOs) in their private practice and how MTBOs avoid or address ethical dilemmas. Utilizing convenience and snowball sampling techniques, 21 MTBOs in the United States were interviewed using semi-structured interviews. To answer the two areas of inquiry, we identified three themes and 12 subthemes: (1) Ethical issues related to client welfare, (2) Ethical issues related to business relationships and operation, and (3) Strategies to address or avoid ethical dilemmas. MTBOs also shared how they ensure ethical behavior in themselves, with their employees or independent contractors, and when interacting with professionals outside the private practice. These findings provide a better understanding of MTBOs’ lived experiences of ethics in their private practice and may benefit other music therapists who are in private practice or are wanting to go into private practice. Limitations and recommendations for further research are provided.

Expanding a Music Therapy Business Using AMTA’s Aspirational Code of Ethics

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 34-37
Author(s):  
Meredith Roman Pizzi
Keyword(s):  
Music Therapy ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Code Of Ethics ◽  
Applied Ethics ◽  
The United States ◽  
Business Practices ◽  
Music Therapists ◽  
Ethical Decisions ◽  
Therapy Services ◽  
Trust Law

Abstract While all music therapists look to the Code of Ethics as a guiding document, music therapists who are self-employed or managing teams rely heavily on this document to create sound business and administrative policies. This article articulates how the 2019 Code of Ethics informs the music therapy entrepreneur or manager to make thoughtful, accountable, and ethical decisions, decreases confusion about specific business practices, and addresses significant concerns related to aspects of the previous AMTA Code of Ethics that were in conflict with federal anti-trust regulations in the United States, including the Sherman Anti-Trust Law. To address the legal and ethical issues inherent in expanding a service business, a discussion guided by the 2019 Code of Ethics and the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics (2009) model is provided as a way to think through potential ethical dilemmas when considering subcontracting music therapy services.

Ethics in Music Therapy Education: Four Points to Consider

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 42-50
Author(s):  
Lauren DiMaio ◽  
Becky Engen
Keyword(s):  
Music Therapy ◽  
Ethical Issues ◽  
Ethical Dilemmas ◽  
Cultural Bias ◽  
Music Therapists ◽  
Academic Setting ◽  
The Subject ◽  
Ethical Thinking ◽  
Therapy Education ◽  
Music Therapy Education

Abstract Ethical thinking in music therapy is a vital aspect of the profession. However, little is published on the subject of ethics in the music therapy academic setting. Therefore, this article explores the complex issues of ethics and ethical thinking in music therapy education from the perspective of two music therapists who have held various positions within academics in music therapy. The purpose of this article is to encourage integrity within music therapy education and to draw attention to the complex ethical issues within music therapy academics. Four points are described for music therapy educators: (1) Assess positions of power, (2) Explore your adaptability, (3) Assess possible infringement of rights, and (4) Consider cultural bias in your responses. These points are offered as recommendations inserted into the Dileo Model of Ethical Thinking for Music Therapists for people in academia when faced with ethical dilemmas.

Music Therapy Private Practice in the United States: Updated Financial and Marketing Recommendations

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kyle Wilhelm ◽  
Andrew Knight
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Social Media ◽  
Music Therapy ◽  
Private Practice ◽  
The United States ◽  
The Internet ◽  
Music Therapists ◽  
Funding Sources ◽  
A Current ◽  
Internet And Social Media

Abstract More and more music therapists in the United States are entering into private practice. For a private practice to survive, a therapist must make sound financial and marketing decisions that can have wide-ranging implications on the success of the business. Clear and current recommendations from music therapists in private practice can help those wanting to go into private practice as well as those already in private practice. The purpose of this study was to identify a current descriptive profile of music therapists in private practice in the United States as well as marketing and financial recommendations. In addition, comparing this survey with previous surveys can reveal possible trends in the field. Music therapists (N = 745) who self-identified as being self-employed or in private practice were sent a survey designed by the researchers. A total of 193 respondents returned the survey revealing that current therapists in private practice are better educated and value the internet and social media for marketing and session implementation more than respondents of previous surveys. Respondents recommend that music therapists in private practice continually learn by taking business classes and consulting with business experts; diversify funding sources, service options, and populations served; and connect with music therapists and nonmusic therapists in the community.

Ethical Considerations in Music Therapy Private Practice: A Review of the Literature

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (1) ◽  
pp. 25-33
Author(s):  
Kyle Wilhelm
Keyword(s):  
Music Therapy ◽  
Private Practice ◽  
Unethical Behavior ◽  
Ethical Dilemmas ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Ethical Considerations ◽  
Music Therapists ◽  
Ethical Choices ◽  
Healthcare Professions ◽  
Practice Literature

Abstract For music therapists in private practice, ethical choices are embedded within every professional action and interaction. While many of these ethical choices are common to all clinicians, some are specific to private practice. Literature from music therapy and other healthcare professions, as well as business literature, were reviewed to identify ethical dilemmas commonly found in private practice, discuss potential reasons for unethical behavior, and explore how music therapists in private practice can work through ethical dilemmas.

Telehealth Music Therapy Services in the United States With Older Adults: A Descriptive Study

2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lindsey Wilhelm ◽  
Kyle Wilhelm
Keyword(s):  
United States ◽  
Older Adults ◽  
Music Therapy ◽  
Response Rate ◽  
Descriptive Study ◽  
The United States ◽  
Age Group ◽  
Music Therapists ◽  
Therapy Services ◽  
Therapy Sessions

Abstract In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, many music therapists in the United States turned to telehealth music therapy sessions as a strategy to continue services with older adults. However, the nature and perception of telehealth music therapy services for this age group are unknown. The purpose of this study was to describe music therapy telehealth practices with older adults in the United States including information related to session implementation, strengths and challenges, and adaptations to clinical practice. Of the 110 participants in the United States who responded to the survey (25.2% response rate), 69 reported implementing telehealth music therapy services with older adults and responded to a 32-item survey. Quantitative and qualitative analyses were conducted. Results indicated that while all participants had provided telehealth music therapy for no more than 6 months, their experiences with telehealth varied. Based on participant responses, telehealth session structure, strengths, challenges, and implemented changes are presented. Overall, 48% of music therapists reported that they planned to continue telehealth music therapy with older adults once pandemic restrictions are lifted. Further study on the quality, suitability, and acceptability of telehealth services with older adults is recommended.

scholarly journals Variability in adolescent portal privacy features: how the unique privacy needs of the adolescent patient create a complex decision-making process

2018 ◽  
Vol 25 (8) ◽  
pp. 1008-1017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marianne Sharko ◽  
Lauren Wilcox ◽  
Matthew K Hong ◽  
Jessica S Ancker
Keyword(s):  
Decision Making ◽  
Information Access ◽  
The United States ◽  
Decision Making Process ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Patient Portals ◽  
Medical Organization ◽  
Clear Cut ◽  
Types Of Information

Abstract Objective Medical privacy policies, which are clear-cut for adults and young children, become ambiguous during adolescence. Yet medical organizations must establish unambiguous rules about patient and parental access to electronic patient portals. We conducted a national interview study to characterize the diversity in adolescent portal policies across a range of institutions and determine the factors influencing decisions about these policies. Methods Within a sampling framework that ensured diversity of geography and medical organization type, we used purposive and snowball sampling to identify key informants. Semi-structured interviews were conducted and analyzed with inductive thematic analysis, followed by a member check. Results We interviewed informants from 25 medical organizations. Policies established different degrees of adolescent access (from none to partial to complete), access ages (from 10 to 18 years), degrees of parental access, and types of information considered sensitive. Federal and state law did not dominate policy decisions. Other factors in the decision process were: technology capabilities; differing patient population needs; resources; community expectations; balance between information access and privacy; balance between promoting autonomy and promoting family shared decision-making; and tension between teen privacy and parental preferences. Some informants believed that clearer standards would simplify policy-making; others worried that standards could restrict high-quality polices. Conclusions In the absence of universally accepted standards, medical organizations typically undergo an arduous decision-making process to develop teen portal policies, weighing legal, economic, social, clinical, and technological factors. As a result, portal access policies are highly inconsistent across the United States and within individual states.

scholarly journals Virtual Music Therapy: Developing New Approaches to Service Delivery

2020 ◽  
Vol 38 (2) ◽  
pp. 151-156
Author(s):  
David Knott ◽  
Seneca Block
Keyword(s):  
Service Delivery ◽  
Music Therapy ◽  
The United States ◽  
Music Therapists ◽  
Health Crisis ◽  
Service Delivery Models ◽  
Initial Wave ◽  
Traditional Service ◽  
Virtual Services ◽  
Delivery Models

Abstract As the global Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic transforms our society, music therapists must adapt service delivery models that ensure client safety. Given the prevalence of COVID-19 in our communities and lack of personal protective equipment in many settings, music therapists are faced with the need to shift delivery models in order to provide safe and relevant services. Telehealth is one solution to these current service delivery challenges. Music therapists possess a depth of practice-based knowledge and understanding of client populations, which enables them to develop virtual services, matching both the clinicians’ and clients’ technical capabilities. Developed during the initial wave of COVID-19 infections in the United States, this article describes the coauthors’ three-tiered scaffold model intended to support the program development and deployment of virtual music therapy (VMT) services. The model describes an approach to developing VMT services that directs the clinician’s goals of care in formats that are accessible, appropriate, and best meet the patient/client’s needs and abilities. The severity and lasting nature of this worldwide health crisis and its disruption of traditional service delivery models require clinicians and researchers to develop the most effective uses of VMT while considering its limits with regard to clinical populations and need areas.

scholarly journals Solidarity, Vulnerability and Mistrust: How Context, Information and Government Affect the Lives of Women in Times of Zika

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ana Rosa Linde Arias ◽  
Maria Roura ◽  
Eduardo Siqueira
Keyword(s):  
Public Health ◽  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Well Being ◽  
The United States ◽  
Epidemiological Surveillance ◽  
Sources Of Information ◽  
Snowball Sampling ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Public Health Response ◽  
Individual Level

Abstract Background and Objectives The public health response to Zika outbreak has mostly focused on epidemiological surveillance, vector control, and individual level preventative measures. This qualitative study employs a social-ecological framework to examine how macro (historical, legislative, political, socio-economic factors), meso (sources of information, social support, social mobilization) and micro level factors (individual actions, behavioral changes) interacted to influence the response and behavior of women with respect to Zika in different contexts. Methods A qualitative study was carried out. Women were recruited through the snowball sampling technique from various locations in Brazil, Puerto Rico, and the United States. They were of different nationalities and ethnicities. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews. The data transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. Results Women in this study deemed the information provided as insufficient, which led them to actively reach out and access a variety of media sources. Social networks played a vital role in sharing information but also resulted in the spread of hoaxes or rumors. Participants in our research perceived socio-economic inequities but focused on how to remedy their microenvironments. They did not engage in major social activities. Lack of trust in governments placed women in vulnerable situations by preventing them to follow the guidance of health authorities. These impacts were also a result of the response tactics of health and government administrations in their failed attempts to ensure the well-being of their countries’ populations. Conclusions Our findings call for a broad spectrum of public health interventions that go beyond individual level behavioral change campaigns, to more comprehensively address the broader meso and macro level factors that influence womens’ willingness and possibility to protect themselves.

scholarly journals Feminist Music Therapists in North America: Their Lives and Their Practices

2015 ◽  
Vol 15 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sandra L. Curtis
Keyword(s):  
North America ◽  
Music Therapy ◽  
Sex Discrimination ◽  
The United States ◽  
Survey Study ◽  
Final Report ◽  
Potential Contribution ◽  
Community Music ◽  
Music Therapists ◽  
The Impact

This survey study investigated the lives and practices of those in North America who self-identify as feminist music therapists. Earlier reports from this survey studied: 1) the experiences of music therapists, with a comparison of men, women, and their 1990 counterparts (Curtis, 2013d); 2) the experiences of music therapists who self-identify as community music therapists (Curtis, 2015); and 3) the experiences of music therapists in Canada as they compare with their U.S. counterparts (Curtis, in press, a). This current and final report explored the experiences of those in Canada and the United States who self-identify as feminist music therapists (50 from the 682 respondents). Areas of similarities and differences were noted between feminist music therapy respondents, Community Music Therapy respondents, and survey respondents as a whole. Similarities existed in terms of: age; gender (predominantly female) and ethnicity makeup (predominantly Caucasian); career satisfaction; and degree and nature of concerns in their lives. Differences existed in that: 1) greater numbers of feminist music therapy respondents worked in academic settings and had higher levels of education; 2) more feminist music therapists felt there was an impact of sex discrimination in peoples’ lives than did the community music therapists, or survey respondents as a whole (98%, 68.5%, and 67% respectively); 3) more feminist music therapy respondents held concerns about discrimination across many other intersections such as race/ethnicity and sexual orientation (98%, 74%, and 76% respectively); and 4) significantly more in Canada self-identified as feminist music therapists than did their U.S. counterparts. Qualitative analysis of respondents’ thoughts on feminist music therapy identified the following themes: being a feminist, belief and orientation, and working for empowerment and equality. The potential contribution that feminist music therapy offers the music therapy profession as a whole was highlighted in terms of its understanding of the impact of multiple sources of marginalization and privilege. This potential contribution could be enhanced through future research into the profiles of feminist music therapists living in other parts of the world.

Parents’ Perspectives on Their Child’s Music Therapy: A Qualitative Study

2020 ◽  
Vol 57 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-119 ◽  
Author(s):  
Luke Annesley ◽  
Katherine Curtis-Tyler ◽  
Eamonn McKeown
Keyword(s):  
Qualitative Study ◽  
Music Therapy ◽  
Community Setting ◽  
Positive Outcomes ◽  
Structured Interviews ◽  
Music Therapists ◽  
Outcomes For Children ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Perceived Outcomes ◽  
Inductive Thematic Analysis

Abstract This qualitative study explored parents’ perspectives on their child receiving individual music therapy in a community setting in an NHS service in London, UK. Parents of children aged 6–11 receiving or recently discharged from music therapy took part. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews which were digitally recorded, transcribed, and analyzed following procedures of inductive thematic analysis. Music therapy was generally perceived to provide a nurturing environment for children, and communication with music therapists was mostly experienced as helpful, but with some perceived challenges. Parents perceived positive outcomes of music therapy, including children becoming calmer and engaging more with musical activities at home. Understanding of music therapy was perceived as an evolving process for parents. Some parents described a need for more information prior to music therapy. The findings of this study broadly support the model in the service of working with children aged 6–11 without parents generally present during sessions. However, there were indications that, for some families, a more flexible approach might be beneficial for the child. Participants’ commentaries on perceived outcomes for children indicate potential for intervention studies investigating the impact of music therapy, while broader perceptions of the value of music therapy indicate a need for studies exploring reasons for effectiveness.

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