PURPOSE: The objective of this scoping review is to compile and examine characteristics and impacts of live music interventions on the health and wellbeing of children, families, and health care professionals in paediatric hospital care.

METHODS: We searched four scientific databases for peer-reviewed publications of empirical studies of all study designs. The first author screened the publications, with spot-checks for eligibility by the second and third authors. Data extraction and quality assessment were made by the first author with support from the second and third. Additionally, the included studies were screened for quality appraisal. The analysis followed an inductive, interpretive approach for synthesis.

RESULTS: Quantitative features were screened and compiled, and qualitative inductive analyses of findings were elaborated into categories connected to research questions. The reported impacts were thematized through emergent features of importance and prerequisites beneficial for successful interventions. Recurrent outcomes present themes of positive affect, copingand reduced hospitalization. Emotional regulation, play and participation, age, session design, adaptivity, and familiarity present benefits, barriers, and facilitators for outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS: Findings from collected empirical research display philosophy, practice, and relations as keys for characteristics, impacts, and implications of live music interventions in paediatric hospital care. The communicative aspects of music appear at the core of importance.