In a milestone for music therapy and multiple sclerosis care, Dr. Carolyn Phillips, an assistant professor at the University of Texas at Austin School of Nursing, has been honored with the 2025 Nightingale Award. The award recognizes outstanding achievements in multiple sclerosis nursing, and Phillips is one of ten recipients this year. Her work supports a new form of musical therapy that could change how patients manage cognitive challenges.
The Nightingale Award
The Nightingale Award is a grant program that honors achievements in multiple sclerosis nursing. Phillips’ receipt of the award highlights the growing importance of interdisciplinary research in MS care. UT School of Nursing announced the award, noting that the program celebrates innovative contributions to the field.
Music-4-MS: A New Approach
UT said Dr. Carolyn Phillips’ research has a “sweet spot at the intersection of health and the arts.” Her study focuses on Music-4-MS, a novel, ukulele-based cognitive rehabilitation intervention. The program builds on her concept study among MS patients and aims to optimize the intervention through a 12-week video series.
The Power of the Ukulele
KXAN spoke with Phillips about why she chose the ukulele. “It’s an accessible instrument, it’s affordable, and people with all levels of ability can hold it, whether they’re in a wheelchair or not,” she said. “It seemed like a perfect instrument to bring in to improve cognition.” The instrument’s simplicity makes it ideal for patients with varying physical abilities.
Dr. Phillips’ Vision and Methods
Phillips has distinguished herself as an expert in applying innovative research methods in the design and evaluation of music-based interventions. Her work harnesses the transformative power of the arts to address a range of health challenges. The research team will engage a music therapist, a music and human learning expert, and past participants to record the video series.
Building a 12-Week Video Series
The 12-week Music-4-MS video series is designed to reinforce learning through repetition, motivational vignettes, and pacing. UT said the series will be recorded with participants who have previously taken part in the concept study. The videos aim to provide a structured, engaging approach to cognitive rehabilitation.
The Impact on MS Patients
Multiple sclerosis is a chronic, inflammatory condition of the central nervous system. It is the most common, non-traumatic, disabling neurological disease in young adults. Symptoms can include blurred vision, numbness or tingling in the limbs, problems with strength and coordination, and cognitive impairment. Music-4-MS seeks to address the cognitive impairment component of MS.
Acknowledging the Award
UT praised Phillips for her dedication to patient care and research. The award underscores the importance of innovative therapies in improving quality of life for people living with MS. Phillips’ work exemplifies how creative solutions can complement traditional medical approaches.
Future Directions
The grant will allow Phillips to further develop the Music-4-MS intervention. Future studies may explore long-term outcomes and broader implementation across MS care settings. The research team plans to collaborate with additional experts to refine the program.
Quotes from Dr. Phillips
“I’m excited to bring this program to more patients,” Phillips said. “The ukulele’s accessibility and affordability make it a powerful tool for cognitive rehabilitation.” She emphasized the role of music in enhancing motivation and engagement.
Statements from UT
UT School of Nursing said Phillips “has distinguished herself as an expert in applying innovative research methods in the design and evaluation of music-based interventions.” The university highlighted her commitment to advancing the intersection of health and the arts.
The Significance for MS Nursing
The Nightingale Award is a prestigious recognition within the MS nursing community. Phillips’ receipt of the award brings attention to the potential of music therapy in nursing practice. It encourages other researchers and clinicians to explore interdisciplinary approaches.
The Role of Music Therapy
Music therapy has long been recognized for its therapeutic benefits. Phillips’ research builds on this foundation by creating a structured, evidence-based program. The use of the ukulele adds a unique element that may enhance patient engagement.
Community and Patient Engagement
The program involves past participants in the recording process, fostering a sense of community. Motivational vignettes are designed to inspire patients and reinforce positive outcomes. The videos aim to create a supportive learning environment.
The Funding and Grant Details
The 2025 Nightingale Award provides funding for research projects that advance MS nursing. Phillips’ project will use the grant to develop and distribute the 12-week video series. The funding also supports collaboration with experts in music and human learning.
The Research Methodology
Phillips’ study employs innovative research methods to evaluate the effectiveness of music-based interventions. The methodology includes participant feedback, cognitive assessments, and analysis of engagement metrics. The goal is to produce measurable improvements in cognition.
The Collaborative Team
The team will include a music therapist, a music and human learning expert, and past participants. Their combined expertise will ensure the program is both scientifically rigorous and patient-centered. Collaboration is key to the success of the Music-4-MS intervention.
The Educational Component
The video series provides educational content on cognitive strategies. It uses repetition to reinforce learning and pacing to match patients’ abilities. The educational component is central to the program’s design.
The Motivational Vignettes
Motivational vignettes are short, inspiring segments within the videos. They aim to boost patients’ motivation and confidence. The vignettes are tailored to resonate with individuals living with MS.
The Repetition and Pacing
Repetition is a core element of the program, ensuring that concepts are retained. Pacing allows patients to progress at a comfortable speed. Together, repetition and pacing support sustained learning and improvement.
Key Takeaways
- Dr. Carolyn Phillips received the 2025 Nightingale Award for her Music-4-MS research.
- The program uses the ukulele to deliver a 12-week cognitive rehabilitation video series.
- The award highlights the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in multiple sclerosis nursing.
The recognition of Dr. Phillips’ work marks a significant step forward for music therapy in MS care. As the program develops, it may offer a new avenue for patients to manage cognitive challenges associated with multiple sclerosis.
