The Sound Of Family Together (S.O.F.T.) Music Program was introduced on a 14-bed burn intensive care unit to provide an avenue for communication between adults with major burns and their children. In adherence with unit policies, children under the age of 16 are only allowed onto the unit under very special circumstances, e.g. patient is under DNR status. This restriction may translate into a prolong absence between the patients and their young children; which may result in emotional and psychological stress factors such as separation anxiety, feelings of abandonment, and rejection of the parent when the patient is being discharged to home. Children who participate in the S.O.F.T. Music Program will record and produce an audio CD for their hospitalized parent/grandparent. The contents of the CD might include original songs, poems, and special messages created by the children. Pre and post tests results will determine the efficacy of the program to decrease anxiety levels in the children.
