Evidence-Based Practice

Evidence-based Practice

Kern, P. (2010). Evidence-based practice in early childhood music therapy: A decision-making process. Music Therapy Perspectives, 28(2), 116-123.
Dr. Petra Kern is one of the world’s leading experts on music therapy in early childhood.  Her extensive body of research and writing focuses on the impact and treatment of autism in early childhood as well as the efficacy of music therapy in supporting placement in least restrictive environment.

In this 2010 article in the AMTA Music Therapy Perspectives, Dr. Kern addresses the importance of evidence-based practice in early childhood music therapy.  She points to the definition of EBP from other disciplines as well as from the American Music Therapy 2007 preliminary definition:

  • Best available research evidence
  • Clinical expertise
  • Individual client factors (p. 117)

In order to determine which research evidence is best, Dr. Kern uses a model developed in 2006 by Buysse and Wesley:

  • Develop a clinical or practice question
  • Find the evidence (such as suggested on this page)
  • Examine the evidence for quality and relevance( we will give you our ideas)
  • Integrate the research information within practice( this is your job)
  • Evaluate and make recommendations for improvements (get back to us in the forum)

So how does EBP work for you as a Sprouting Melodies® Provider?  Here is an example:

  • Question your practice decisions looking for effectiveness
    • Is it helpful for language development to use signs along with singing in my groups?
  • Find research that addresses the impact of use of sign language along with songs in early childhood.
    • A number of studies from the Speech/Language Pathology community indicate that using early signs with young children does not delay acquisition of spoken language.
  • Examine the evidence
    • Most of this research evidence is new and in contradiction to older practice thinking. However the studies are published in peer reviewed journals by respected researchers.
  • Integrate the research information
    • Begin to use simple signs along with your songs within Sprouting Melodies®. Teach the signs to parents and suggest they use them at home.
  • Evaluate
    • Observe if children begin to use the signs communicatively. Gather information on their use of spoken language along with signs. Ask the parents if the children are understanding and using both signs and spoken language.  Ask them if they see any difference in the children’s communication when using sign and words as opposed to words alone.

Dr. Kern has generously shared this and her other publications on her web site. Go to http://www.musictherapy.biz/Dr._Petra_Kern/Publications.html to read more of her work.

 

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