Table 3.

Summary of benefits and challenges when adapting to remote sessions, as reported by music therapists.

Summary of Benefits and Challenges when Adapting to Remote Sessions, as Reported by Music Therapists
	It is an alternative, rather than a substitute for in-person therapy. [2,19,23]
	Benefits outweigh the challenges. [2,18,19]
Benefits (not necessarily associated with the pandemic):
	Benefits for the training of music therapists (teaches them to be flexible). [19]
	Easy access for clients [19]; e.g., remote locations or immunocompromised [2]; for clients in the hospital setting on respiratory support with difficult transportation, e.g., for the infants with tracheostomies, or those on isolation. [20]
	The expansion of boundaries, which provides a directly contextualized view into patients’ home lives. [16]
	Using technology spurs creativity–a lot can be done. [2]
	The amount of staff required to assist with organizing MT in a hospital setting decreased. [20]
	Off-site family members of hospitalized children in therapy were able to attend. [20]
	Interpreting services could connect easily. [20]
Benefits directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic:
	It brings joy and love to overpower the terror of COVID-19. [22]
	Benefits related to the possibility of avoiding the protective measures: Masks and social distancing disrupt both verbal and non-verbal communication, can muffle voices, and limit a therapist’s assessment of patient affect. [16,20]
	Engagement in some respects has increased, virtual groups have been well attended—due to the isolation caused by the pandemic, patients were enthusiastic about finding different channels of communication/provided therapy. [16]
	Opportunity to continue earning money and providing services. [2]
Challenges:
	It feels weird [for the client] at first. [17]
	It can feel very isolating [for the client]. [17]
	Problems with the Internet and technology–Internet’s lag-time causes delays in rhythm and harmony not in perfect synchronization. [22,23]
	Risk of losing boundaries in the client-therapist relationship due to the home environment. [16]
	Virtual service technology is difficult to learn. [2]
	Virtual service technology is not appropriate for all clients. [2]
	Virtual service technology is cost-prohibitive for many clients and clinicians. [2]
	Connected with barriers and inequities, which keep clients from accessing these services. [2]
	Not all companies/organizations allow telehealth options. [2]
	For child clients, there is a need to set a time limit for screen time. The therapist had to look for signs of overstimulation. [20]
	It may not be possible to offer music therapy exactly as usual. [23]
Clients’ feedback:
	Pleased to have the option of continuing therapy in some form. [16,17]