The Critical Role of Literacies in Translating Research into Practice in Performing Arts Medicine for Musicians and Healthcare Providers: PAMA Panel Session

Rationale – After more than 30 years of research into musicians’ health problems, high rates of injuries persist in this population. Poor health literacy has been hypothesized as a factor that can impede health-promoting behaviors and the effectiveness of health promotion interventions. Musicians’ health literacy has recently become a research focus, yet the complementary role of literacies for both sides of the performing arts health equation—performing artists and healthcare professionals—has yet to be considered.

Purpose – This panel will bring together a group of experienced international performing arts medicine researchers, educators and clinicians, each representing a different viewpoint on literacies that are critical not only for the health of performing musicians, but for the healthcare professionals who treat them. It will foster discussion amongst panel members and attendees about the critical role of these literacies in promoting translation of research into performing arts practice, treatment and health promotion.

Content of Presentation Following an introduction by the Chair, research presentations by each panellist will align with one or more of the following themes: 1) Evaluating health literacy in musicians using population-specific and general health literacy assessment tools: commonalities and distinctions; 2) Cross-cultural literacies: translation and language considerations for assessment of musicians’ health; 3) Role of education in embedding health literacy outcomes into health promotion; 4) Musical literacy for healthcare professionals and health literacy for musicians. The panel will engage in a discussion of these themes and a Q&A session with attendees.

Clinical/Practical Significance – Consideration of critical literacies for both healthcare professionals and the performers they treat is important to inform effective health promotion strategies, education initiatives and treatment plans. This can support health-promoting behaviors in performing artists and promote greater understanding of the complexities of performing artists’ health problems on the part of healthcare professionals.