Mid Sweden University

The objective for public health work in Sweden is to create conditions for good health and quality of life for its entire population, which also includes people with congenital disabilities. Health promotion interventions in the form of complementary movement therapies and music therapies are used among the population in many countries. The complementary motion therapy Functionally Oriented Music Therapy is offered at schools and treatment centres in Sweden. However, very little research has been performed on the effectiveness of Functionally Oriented Music Therapy as a health promotion intervention. Therefore, The aim of the study was to describe the experiences of relatives, caregivers, school staff and participants after individuals with congenital physical and intellectual disabilities participated in FMT. The study qualitatively analysed the experiences of relatives, caregivers, school staff and participants after individuals with congenital physical or intellectual disabilities participated in Functionally Oriented Music Therapy. Through qualitative content analysis of diary notes in public documents, two categories emerged from the analysis:”Greater well-being” and “Better functioning”. The latent content of these categories emerged by the theme “Strengthen the individual's health and own resources”. The result suggests that Functionally Oriented Music Therapy may be a promising approach for health promotion in Swedish society towards this target group.