Playlist for Life has been rolled out across NHSGGC Nursing and Midwifery Acute Services to support person-centred, dementia-friendly care. By using music that is personally meaningful to each individual, this approach helps reduce distress, promote emotional wellbeing, and create more compassionate, meaningful interactions during a patient’s hospital stay.
What is Playlist for Life?
Playlist for Life is a simple but powerful intervention that uses music linked to an individual’s life, memories and preferences.
It can support patients by:
- Reducing stress and distress
- Supporting emotional regulation
- Providing comfort and familiarity
- Promoting engagement and connection
This approach is particularly beneficial for patients experiencing cognitive impairment, including dementia, helping to maintain a sense of identity and continuity during hospital admission.
For more information on Playlist for Life, please visit the Playlist for Life website.
Our Progress
Playlist for Life is embedded across NHSGGC Acute Services.
- 40+ staff trained to deliver Playlist for Life in practice to patients
- Growing network of Trained Trainers to deliver training to staff
- Established network of Playlist for Life Champions
- Continuous embedding Playlist for Life into everyday care delivery
This work is supporting a wider culture shift towards consistently person-centred approaches across Nursing and Midwifery.
Playlist for Champions
We have established a network of Playlist for Life Champions across clinical areas.
Champions:
- Act as a local point of contact
- Promote awareness among colleagues
- Support implementation in practice
- Help sustain and embed Playlist for Life within teams
This network is key to ensuring long-term sustainability and visibility of the programme across Acute Services.
Staff Feedback
Feedback from staff trained in PLF has been overwhelmingly positive, highlighting its practical value and real-life relevance. Staff found the training engaging, easy to understand, and said it significantly increased their confidence to use Playlist for Life in practice.
Staff reported a clear impact on patient care, with comments such as “very useful for reducing medication, distress and wandering” and “I can now use this in practice when supporting patients with dementia.”
Resources
Free resources can be found on the Playlist for Life website.
Please also find downloadable versions of posters below:
- PLF Champion posters
- Patient/staff information posters
We gratefully acknowledge the support of the Greater Glasgow and Clyde Healthcare Charity in enabling the expansion of equipment across NHSGGC.
Get Involved
All staff are encouraged to get involved and support delivery of Playlist for Life within their area.
You can:
- Speak to your local Playlist for Life Champion
- Attend training opportunities by trained NHSGGC staff
- Explore how personalised playlists can be used in your area
- Engage patients and families in creating meaningful playlists
Together, we can enhance patient experience and embed more personalised, compassionate care.
- For any queries, please contact Pamela Burns (Pamela.Burns@nhs.scot)