Educating Nurses and Providers on Therapeutic Touch® in Patients With Cancer to Increase Use in an Ambulatory Palliative Care Clinic

Background:
Therapeutic Touch® (TT) is a research-supported, nonpharmacologic integrative therapy that uses healing touch to reduce pain and anxiety.

Objectives:
The purpose of this project was to educate nurses and providers about TT and promote it as an effective modality for patients with cancer receiving palliative care.

Methods:
The investigators offered education about TT to nurses and providers at a comprehensive cancer center. Nurses' and providers' perceptions of TT, including likelihood of recommendation and procedure time, were evaluated. Survey responses were calculated using frequencies. Patient perceptions were evaluated using open-ended questions.

Findings:
Recommendations for TT by nurses and providers increased from 5 of 12 preintervention to 8 of 10 postintervention. Other perceptions of TT also improved. Of 91 patients offered TT, 52 agreed to participate. Patients reported feeling calm and relaxed following TT treatment.

Keywords: Therapeutic Touch®; anxiety; biofield therapy; pain; palliative; symptom management.

PMID: 39918364 DOI: 10.1188/24.CJON.567-574