{
  "abstract": "Background In 2023, a group of men attended the hospice breathlessness management programme and shared the emotional distress they were experiencing in relation to their symptoms and one patient’s grief following the death of their partner. After discussion at one of their regular gym sessions, the group found they shared a passion for music, however, they had felt unable to play their instruments based on physical and psychological symptoms.Aim ‘Gym and Jammers’ was established with the purpose of the men being able to express their feelings through music and share their thoughts in a safe space on a regular basis.Method With support from the hospice therapy team, each person’s physical ability was assessed within the programme and exercise prescriptions were provided to build fine and gross motor skills – including breathlessness techniques – to be able to re-engage with playing a musical instrument. Music was initially incorporated into the core programme and attendees were widespread across both the wellbeing centre and in-patient services.Results The ‘Gym and Jammers’ group has grown from two to seven participants. Patient outcomes have improved on the Chronic Respiratory Questionnaire (CRQ) in all areas including dyspnoea, fatigue, mastery and emotion. The group is now self-managed by the patients, they complete regular concerts within the day services and have contributed to raising monies to purchase equipment for use within the fatigue and breathlessness service.Conclusion The group members advocate for men’s mental health and have supported other patients in coping with their diagnosis and building friendships to support each other through more challenging times. One member of the group advised that he no longer experiences suicidal ideation and feels a ‘ little bit of music has made his world a better place.’",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Lindsey Lodge Hospice and Healthcare, Scunthorpe, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Sarah Hodge"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Lindsey Lodge Hospice and Healthcare, Scunthorpe, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Charlotte Howsham"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Lindsey Lodge Hospice and Healthcare, Scunthorpe, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Julie Popple"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Lindsey Lodge Hospice and Healthcare, Scunthorpe, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Sally Brownsell"
    }
  ],
  "title": "O-23 ‘Gym and jammers’ – integrating music into breathlessness management to optimise men’s mental wellbeing",
  "uid": "0d99a6fb-18bb-51f1-ba3a-a526ddd3febe"
}