Reiki training for caregivers of hospitalized pediatric patients: A pilot program.

Author: Kundu A, Dolan-Oves R, Dimmers MA, Towle CB, Doorenbos AZ.
Affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology and Pain Medicine, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA, United States; University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, United States. Electronic address: anjana.kundu@seattlechildrens.org.
Conference/Journal: Complement Ther Clin Pract.
Date published: 2013 Feb
Other: Volume ID: 19 , Issue ID: 1 , Pages: 50-4 , Special Notes: doi: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2012.08.001 , Word Count: 149



To explore the feasibility of a Reiki therapy-training program for the caregivers of pediatric medical or oncology inpatients, at a large pediatric hospital, a series of Reiki training classes were offered by a Reiki Master. At completion of the training, an interview was conducted to elicit participant's feedback regarding the effectiveness and feasibility of the training program. Seventeen of the 18 families agreed to participate. Most families (65%) attended three Reiki training sessions, reporting that Reiki benefitted their child by improving their comfort (76%), providing relaxation (88%), and pain relief (41%). All caregivers identified becoming an active participant in their child's care as a major gain from participation in the Reiki training. A hospital-based Reiki training program for caregivers of hospitalized pediatric patients is feasible and can positively impact patients and their families. More rigorous research regarding the benefits of Reiki in the pediatric population is needed.
Copyright © 2012 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
PMID: 23337565