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Hospital uses harmonicas as respiratory therapy tool

Patient Safety Monitor Alert, February 11, 2004

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Patients who participate in a 10-week pulmonary rehabilitation program at Advocate Christ Medical in Oak Lawn, IL, are learning more than new breathing techniques. They're also learning to play simple songs on the harmonica.

Blowing gently into the musical instrument helps improve patient outcomes by increasing lung capacity and strengthening diaphragms-two key objectives for patients diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), according to Brenda Celmer, one of the respiratory therapists who coordinates the harmonica program.

Upon entering the program, new patient receive a harmonica, printed lessons for new songs, and twice weekly "lessons" from a respiratory therapist. Patients are encouraged to practice at home. Each week, they meet at an "easy breathers" support group to play songs.

The program not only helps patients to improve their breathing and lung capacity, but also helps them to socialize-which helps them feel better psychologically and reduces the depression that is often triggered by illness, says Celmer.

When COPD patients first become involved in the program, many can barely walk across the room. But by the time they finish, "many are able to go back to work, garden, go shopping, and generally become more independent in carrying out their daily activities," she says.

About 75% of the hospital's pulmonary rehabilitation patients are currently participating in the program.

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