MUSIC THERAPY WITH HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS DURING THE PANDEMIC PERIOD - ONLINE MEETINGS AS PART OF MULTIPROFESSIONAL TREATMENT

Objective: This paper aims to report the participation of the music therapist in the care of hypertensive patients, using information and communication technology during the pandemic period in Brazil. Design and method: Before the pandemic, Music Therapy interventions took place mainly in the waiting room of the outpatient service and in meetings called Hypertensive’s Club. The main resources used were the voice and the guitar, more accessible instruments for care in a hospital environment. With the arrival of the Pandemic, in March 2020, during the period of social removal, there was an interruption of in-person calls. During this period, the patients were invited to meetings by Google Meeting and the music therapist conducted the interventions using the voice and instruments, such as the guitar, keyboard and/or drum. Online interventions lasted one hour. Interactive Music Therapy techniques were used, using singing as the main activity, in addition to music listening activities, with guided relaxation and breathing activities. Results: Interventions were carried out online, with the participation of hypertensive patients and, in some cases, family members who helped with the handling of cell phones/equipment, since most patients are elderly people with little experience in technology. Music Therapy had a humanistic approach and a look at the patient’s integrality, welcoming all feelings arising from anxiety, fear, stress and grief experienced in the pandemic period. The techniques used provided the self-perception of the body (breathing, heartbeat, posture, etc.) and the self-expression of feelings through songs chosen by the participants or improvised with the guidance of the music therapist. Spirituality and/or religiosity also emerged through the choices of songs, bringing to light the hope of better days and the strength needed to face the losses suffered by many of the participants. Conclusions: The music therapist’s action, through online consultations with hypertensive patients, helped to maintain the quality of life, to improve the individual’s entirety, to reduce stress and to express the patients’ subjectivity. Therefore, the music therapist in the multidisciplinary team contributed to the humanization of collective health care, in line with the National Policies of the Ministry of Health.