A 360-degree video analysis of musical engagement in musictherapy in paediatric palliative care in hospital-at-home

This study explores the use of 360-degree video analysis to understand how musical engagement arises and develops in music therapy. New technology presents both challenges and advantages for this field while prompting ethical reflection. The research question we aim to answer is: How can 360-degree video analysis elucidate musical engagement during hospital-at-home music therapy sessions in paediatric palliative care? The research method employed is video based, and the procedure used for the analysis is Interpretative Phenomenological Video Analysis (IPVA). A case from a music therapy session with a young girl highlights moments of musical engagement recorded with a 360-degree camera. The analysis demonstrates that the product of such a camera, via in-depth analysis, can provide new insight into the occurrence, unfolding and development of shared musical engagement in paediatric palliative care. The patient’s intentional engagement and the recognition of family members clearly enhance her sense of autonomy during the session. The discussion addresses the concept of shared musical engagement, which encompasses joint improvisation, emotional connection, and intentional bodily and musical interaction. The findings suggest that advanced technology offers new possibilities for capturing nuanced therapeutic dynamics. The study concludes by arguing that video analysis can reveal the patient’s own resources, highlighting their autonomy and capacity to engage in a musical dialogue.