This report evaluates Vocal Beats, a hospital-based music project for children and young people at Royal Brompton and Harefield NHS Foundation Trust.
A need for live music in paediatric wards was identified following the publication of the Bi-Annual Children and Young People’s Survey (Care Quality Commission, 2016), which highlighted that young inpatients felt they did not have enough creative activities or opportunities for engagement while staying in hospital. Simultaneously, a growing body of evidence indicated significant benefits from access to live music in healthcare for young patients – particularly with regard to mental and physical wellbeing, relaxation, and distraction.

This report is made up of standalone assessments by three external evaluators with different specialisms. This approach seeks to create a multi-faceted overview of the project from key perspectives that are separate but interlinked, to highlight the project’s successes and potentials and to provide learnings for both rb&hArts and for the wider ‘music in hospitals’ sector. All three evaluators applied qualitative methods to generate thinking, feedback and recommendations.

Though this report reviews the programme from three distinct professional perspectives, there are overlaps worth noting. Each contributor recognises the dedication of the musicians and the high standards they espouse in every aspect of their work at Royal Brompton & Harefield Hospital. There is also a consensus regarding the importance of ongoing dialogue between the Vocal Beats team and the clinical team, in terms of sharing their specialist knowledge for the benefit of the young patients.

Friend, M., Hope, G. and Wells, C. (2020). Vocal Beats: External Evaluation Report 2020. UK: rb&hArts.