Memories in Heartbeats Study
Research type
Research Study
Full title
Study of the Feasibility and Acceptability of using Antenatal Music Therapy for Families Experiencing Pregnancies where the Foetus has a Life-Limiting Diagnosis
IRAS ID
320247
Contact name
Shalini Ojha
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
University Hospitals of Derby & Burton NHS Foundation Trust
Duration of Study in the UK
0 years, 11 months, 31 days
Research summary
This small feasibility and acceptability study proposes to explore the role of music therapy in antenatal bonding and memory making experiences prior to birth in mothers experiencing a pregnancy where screening tests show that the foetus has a condition meaning they may not develop to full term, survive the birth or that the new-born will have continued complications and limited life expectancy once born.
The outcome of this study will be to determine the feasibility and acceptability of offering antenatal music therapy for families experiencing pregnancies where a foetal condition or anomaly means that comfort care only is planned for the baby after birth and to assess if the development of a musical memory-making tool will be relevant for this patient group within the current bereavement midwifery services.
The study plans to use the recorded heartbeat of the unborn foetus and then to combine this with music of the family's choice to create a memory track which can then be saved into a recording device such as a memory bear for the family to keep.
It is proposed that this intervention could complement current memory making processes already being offered by services such as bereavement midwives working within Hospital trusts.REC name
South East Scotland REC 01
REC reference
23/SS/0058
Date of REC Opinion
15 Jun 2023
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion