The Dell Seton Medical Center at the University of Texas at Austin has introduced the ATX-VINyL program, an initiative designed to provide vinyl records and players to patients. The program aims to enhance patient comfort and well-being during hospital stays, offering a therapeutic tool, particularly for individuals facing difficult diagnoses or undergoing extensive treatments.
Program Development and Rationale
The ATX-VINyL program was developed by Dr. Tyler Jorgensen, an emergency medicine physician who completed a fellowship in palliative care. The concept originated approximately three years prior, during his fellowship. Dr. Jorgensen observed the potential impact of music on patient engagement after an experience with a patient he reported difficulty connecting with. Upon playing "The Boys Are Back in Town" by Thin Lizzy, the patient reportedly showed improved engagement, sharing personal narratives and discussing health challenges. This experience contributed to Dr. Jorgensen's recognition of music as a component of patient care.
Dr. Jorgensen identified vinyl records as offering a distinct sensory experience compared to digital audio. He noted that "the friction of a record – the pops, the scratches" contributes to this experience, describing the record player as a "time machine" capable of evoking memories for patients.
Patient Engagement and Preferences
The program delivers a portable record player and a curated selection of records directly to patient bedsides. Patients frequently request genres such as country, jazz, R&B, classic rock, and holiday music. Popular selections include Fleetwood Mac's "Rumours," music by artists like Willie Nelson, Etta James, and John Denver, and the Vince Guaraldi Trio's "A Charlie Brown Christmas" during holiday seasons.
Pamela Mansfield, 64, a patient recovering from neck surgery, participated in the program. She listened to country music artists, including George Jones, noting its association with her parents and stating that "music makes everything better." Mansfield described the music as "motivating" for her recovery, citing that she achieved a personal best of standing for three minutes while listening. She has undergone six neck surgeries since April following a fall.
Operational Details
The ATX-VINyL program is managed by a team of volunteers, led by Daniela Vargas, a pre-med undergraduate from the University of Texas at Austin. Volunteers consult with nursing staff to identify patients who may benefit from the musical visits. Vargas previously participated in music therapy during the COVID-19 pandemic by playing the violin for isolated patients and has observed the interactions with patients as impactful.
The hospital's current collection for the program consists of approximately 60 records.
Therapeutic Aims
For patients, particularly those in palliative care or nearing the end of life, the ATX-VINyL program aims to offer a temporary distraction from the medical environment. It seeks to foster emotional connection and provide comfort to both patients and their families by facilitating new, positive shared experiences. The program is reported to contribute to patient motivation and mental well-being throughout their recovery processes.