Abstract
This paper explored the effects of a drum circle on the perceived quality of life at the
end of life of a patient with a life-limiting illness. Any patient on Hospice of the Western
Reserves in-patient unit that met the requirement of this study as determined by the
researcher was considered for this study. Eight drum circles were offered, but unfortunately
only one patient met the requirement. There was one experimental group and no control
groups. The participant (N=1), received one forty-five minute drum circle. The patient met
the requirement of answering six out of six questions correctly on the Short Portable Mental
Status Questionnaire (see Appendix B). After the patient passed the Short Portable Mental
Status Questionnaire, the patient completed the Quality-of-Life at the End-of-Life (see
Appendix C) survey. The patient then participated in a forty-five minute drum circle. The
patient repeated the Quality-of-Life at the End-of-Life survey at the end of the drum circle.
The Quality-of-Life at the End-of-Life survey showed no significant difference in quality-oflife. However, as a result of the drum circle, the participant felt less worried and had
decreased pain. The participant reported decreased concern about his family and quality of
life. Furthermore, the participant's sense of meaning and feeling at peace increased.
