Toque terapêutico no cuidado da enfermagem: uma análise conceitual / Tacto terapéutico en el cuidado de enfermería: un análisis conceptual / Therapeutic touch in nursing care: a conceptual analysis

Resumo Objetivo Analisar o conceito de toque terapêutico no cuidado de enfermagem, especificando seus atributos, antecedentes e consequentes. Métodos Trata-se de uma análise conceitual na visão evolutiva de Rodgers (2000), sobre o conceito de toque terapêutico na assistência de enfermagem, juntamente com a revisão integrativa da bibliografia baseada na questão da pesquisa: Qual é o conceito de toque terapêutico no cuidado de enfermagem? Quais são os atributos, antecedentes e consequentes do toque terapêutico no cuidado com a enfermagem? A pesquisa foi realizada nas bases de dados eletrônicas CINAHL Complete, MEDLINE Complete, Nursing & Allied Health Collection: Comprehensive, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Methodology Register, Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts, MedicLatina, na Biblioteca do Conhecimento Online b-on, através da conjugação dos descritores DeCS/MESH "therapeutic touch", "nursing" e "nursing care" e do operador booleano AND no período temporal de 2000 a 2020. Resultados A amostra foi formada por oito estudos que identificaram três pilares temáticos: (i) atributos: método complementar e eficaz, técnica, ferramenta, intervenção de enfermagem, uso de mãos, intenção de ajudar ou curar, tratamento complementar, toque intencional e transferência de energia; (ii) antecedentes: dor, ansiedade, fadiga, demência, doença de Alzheimer, cefaleia de tensão, síndrome de fibromialgia e problemas cardiovasculares; (iii) consequentes: promove um efeito calmante; aumenta a empatia, satisfação, interação, respeito, senso de valor e vida; promove bem-estar, conforto, tranquilidade e paz, esperança, segurança, motivação, humor e qualidade do sono; reduz o estresse e comportamentos perturbadores; promove melhor estado funcional e qualidade de vida. Conclusão O toque terapêutico está implícito na prática profissional dos enfermeiros, exigindo um ajuste concreto e singular às circunstâncias e necessidades reais da pessoa, em favor de uma prática que promova o conforto.

Resumen Objetivo Analizar el concepto de tacto terapéutico en el cuidado de enfermería y especificar sus atributos, antecedentes y consecuentes. Métodos Se trata de un análisis conceptual en la visión evolutiva de Rodgers (2000), sobre el concepto de tacto terapéutico en la atención de enfermería, junto con la revisión integradora de la bibliografía basada en la pregunta de investigación: ¿Cuál es el concepto de tacto terapéutico en el cuidado de enfermería? ¿Cuáles son los atributos, antecedentes y consecuentes del tacto terapéutico en el cuidado de enfermería? El estudio fue realizado en las bases de datos electrónicas CINAHL Complete, MEDLINE Complete, Nursing & Allied Health Collection: Comprehensive, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Methodology Register, Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts, MedicLatina, en la Biblioteca do Conhecimento Online b-on, a través de la unión de los descriptores DeCS/MESH "therapeutic touch", "nursing" y "nursing care" y del operador booleano AND en el período temporal de 2000 a 2020. Resultados La muestra fue formada por ocho estudios que identificaron tres pilares temáticos: (i) atributos: método complementario y eficaz, técnica, herramienta, intervención de enfermería, uso de manos, intención de ayudar o curar, tratamiento complementario, tacto intencional y transferencia de energía; (ii) antecedentes: dolor, ansiedad, fatiga, demencia, enfermedad de Alzheimer, cefalea tensional, síndrome de fibromialgia y problemas cardiovasculares; (iii) consecuentes: promueve un efecto calmante; aumenta la empatía, satisfacción, interacción, respeto, sentido de valor y vida; promueve bienestar, consuelo, tranquilidad y paz, esperanza, seguridad, motivación, humor y calidad de sueño; reduce el estrés y comportamientos perturbadores; promueve mejor estado funcional y calidad de vida. Conclusión El tacto terapéutico está implícito en la práctica profesional de los enfermeros y exige una adaptación concreta y singular a las circunstancias y necesidades reales de la persona, a favor de una práctica que promueva el bienestar.

Abstract Objective To analyze the concept of therapeutic touch in nursing care, specifying its attributes, antecedents, and consequents. Methods This is a conceptual analysis of the evolutive view of Rodgers (2000), about the concept of therapeutic touch in nursing care, together with an integrative literature review based on the research question: What is the concept of therapeutic touch in nursing care? What are the attributes, antecedents, and consequents of therapeutic touch in nursing care? The search was conducted in the electronic databases CINAHL Complete, MEDLINE Complete, Nursing & Allied Health Collection: Comprehensive, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, Cochrane Methodology Register, Library, Information Science & Technology Abstracts, MedicLatina, in the b-on Online Knowledge Library, by combining the descriptors DeCS/MESH "therapeutic touch", "nursing" e "nursing care" and the Boolean operator AND over the period from 2000 to 2020. Results The sample was composed of eight studies that identified three thematic pillars: (i) attributes: complementary and effective method, technique, tool, nursing intervention, use of hands, intention to help or heal, complementary treatment, intentional touch, and energy transfer; (ii) antecedents: pain, anxiety, fatigue, dementia, Alzheimer's disease, tension headache, fibromyalgia syndrome, and cardiovascular problems; (iii) consequents: promotes a calming effect; increases empathy, satisfaction, interaction, respect, sense of worth and life; promotes well-being, comfort, tranquility and peace, hope, security, motivation, mood and sleep quality; reduces stress and disruptive behaviors; promotes better functional status and quality of life. Conclusion Therapeutic touch is implicit in the professional practice of nurses, requiring concrete and unique adjustment to the real circumstances and needs of the person, towards a practice that promotes comfort.

O efeito do reiki no manejo de sintomas de pessoas em cuidados paliativos oncológicos / The effect of reiki in the management of symptoms of people in palliative oncology care

Introdução: Reiki é uma modalidade de Práticas Integrativas e Complementares (PICs), reconhecida e incorporada à tabela de procedimentos do Sistema Único de Saúde (SUS). Objetivo: avaliar os efeitos do Reiki no alívio dos sintomas de pessoas com câncer avançado, por meio da realização de um estudo piloto para a verificação dos procedimentos metodológicos da pesquisa. Metodologia: Trata-se de um estudo-piloto randomizado, com 14 participantes, divididos aleatoriamente em 2 grupos - Controle e Reiki - com 7 participantes em cada um, selecionados de acordo com os critérios de inclusão e exclusão previamente estabelecidos. Para a coleta de dados foi realizada uma anamnese, aferição da pressão arterial, frequência cardíaca, coleta da saliva para verificar o nível de cortisol; foram aplicadas as escalas de Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS), Escala Hospitalar de Ansiedade e Depressão (HAD), Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS); foi aplicado o Reiki por 21 minutos a cada dia para os participantes do grupo Reiki. As escalas foram reaplicadas 30 minutos após do término do Reiki, assim como foi repetida a coleta do cortisol salivar. Resultados: O teste U de Mann-Whitney mostrou uma diferença estatisticamente significativa (p<0,007) para a variável sono na comparação entre os grupos, mostrando uma melhora para o grupo Reiki quando comparado ao grupo Controle. A metodologia aplicada nesse estudo-piloto mostrou-se pertinente e adequada e permitirá avaliar os efeitos do Reiki sobre os sintomas de pessoas com câncer avançado. Conclusão: Embora a casuística tenha sido pequena, o que configura uma limitação desse estudo, os resultados já sinalizaram que a aplicação de Reiki melhorou o sono dos participantes quando comparado ao grupo controle. A continuidade desse estudo, com um número maior de participantes, permitirá a verificação dos efeitos do Reiki de forma estatisticamente mais significativa

Introduction: Reiki is a modality of Integrative and Complementary Practices (PICs), recognized and incorporated into the procedures table of the Unified Health System (SUS). Objectives: to evaluate the effects of Reiki in the relief of symptoms of people with advanced cancer, by conducting a pilot study to verify the methodological procedures of the research. Methodology: This is a randomized pilot study, with 14 participants, randomly divided into 2 groups - Control and Reiki - with 7 participants in each, selected according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria previously established. For data collection, an anamnesis was performed, blood pressure was measured, heart rate, saliva was collected to check the cortisol level; the Edmonton Symptom Assessment System (ESAS), Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HAD), Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) scales; Reiki was applied for 21 minutes each day for participants in the Reiki group. The scales were reapplied 30 minutes after the end of Reiki, as well as the collection of salivary cortisol was repeated. Results: The Mann-Whitney U test showed a statistically significant difference (p <0.007) for the sleep variable when comparing the groups, showing an improvement for the Reiki group when compared to the Control group. The methodology applied in this pilot study proved to be pertinent and adequate and will allow to evaluate the effects of Reiki on the symptoms of people with advanced cancer. Conclusion: Although the sample was small, which is a limitation of this study, the results have already signaled that the application of Reiki improved the sleep of the participants when compared to the control group. The continuity of this study, with a larger number of participants, will allow the verification of the effects of Reiki in a more statistically significant way

Reiki's effect on patients with total knee arthroplasty: A pilot study.

BACKGROUND: In the immediate postoperative period, managing postsurgical pain with pain medication can contribute to complications. A more effective approach might include a combination of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic measures, such as Reiki therapy. PURPOSE: The purpose of this pilot study was to determine the impact of Reiki therapy on the pain perception of patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA) following Reiki sessions, satisfaction with Reiki therapy, satisfaction with the hospital experience overall, and pain medication use following surgery. WHAT IS REIKI?: Reiki is a technique for relaxation and stress reduction that also promotes healing. LITERATURE REVIEW: Reiki has been studied in women undergoing abdominal hysterectomies and in patients with cancer who were receiving chemotherapy. A review of 66 biofield therapy studies, including Reiki, suggested, "strong evidence for the effects of biofield therapy in the reduction of pain intensity in pain populations and moderate evidence for decreased pain in hospitalized patients." THEORETICAL FRAMEWORK: Martha Rogers's Theory of Unitary Human Beings formed the framework for this study. METHODS: The sample included 43 patients undergoing TKA, who were randomized into Reiki (N = 23) and non-Reiki (N = 20) groups. All subjects in this pilot study had unilateral TKA at the same hospital. Pain was assessed before and after Reiki therapy using the numeric rating scale in the preoperative area, postanesthesia care unit (PACU), and on each of 3 postoperative days. A questionnaire was distributed the day of discharge to measure satisfaction with Reiki and the hospital experience. RESULTS: All Reiki therapy sessions resulted in statistically significant reductions in pain, except those sessions in the PACU. Subjects receiving Reiki responded positively to questionnaires completed on the day of discharge. No statistically significant differences were found in pain medication use. DISCUSSION: Reiki may be an effective component in the management of surgical patients' postoperative pain. LIMITATIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Subject numbers were limited due to the difficulty of meeting with the patients and obtaining informed consent. Due to the nature of Reiki therapy, the study was not blinded. Music played during Reiki therapy could have contributed to the effect experienced by the patients. Not all questionnaires were collected before patient discharge. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FURTHER STUDIES: Future studies should include more subjects, control for music use during the Reiki session, and measure the length of time pain is decreased following Reiki treatments. UNANTICIPATED OUTCOMES: As a result of positive feedback and decreased pain ratings following Reiki sessions, a Reiki program has been established at the hospital. Ten nurses became trained and certified in Reiki.

As relações estabelecidas entre a terapia Reiki e o bem estar subjetivo mediadas pelas representações sociais / The relationship established between Reiki therapy and the subjective well-being mediated by social representations

O objetivo do presente estudo é analisar o impacto da terapia Reiki no bem estar subjetivo e suas representações sociais em uma universidade pública do Rio de Janeiro. Trata-se de uma pesquisa quanti-qualitativa, com abordagem experimental, apoiado na Teoria de Representações Sociais. O grupo estudado foi composto de 60 sujeitos que não tiverem acesso à terapia anteriormente entrevistados antes e depois de três sessões de Reiki. Os dados foram coletados através de quatro instrumentos: questionário de identificação dos sujeitos, questionário de representação social do Reiki, questionário de evocação livre e escala de Bem estar Subjetivo. A análise dos dados foi realizada com estatística descritiva e inferencial com o software SPSS 19, análise estrutural e análise de conteúdo das representações sociais, a partir do software EVOC. Os sujeitos participantes são do sexo feminino (88,33%); nível superior (76,66%); discentes de ensino superior e médio e enfermeiros (48,34%); está empregado (56,67%); renda pessoal inferior a R$ 1.000,00 (41,67%); solteiro (61,67%); vive sozinho (68,33%); tem companheiro fixo (68,33%); sem doença (58,33%); uso de terapia não convencional (63,33%); tem religião (88,33%) e religião católica (33,33%) e evangélica (21,67%). Quanto às representações sociais, a busca do Reiki antes e depois do experimento revelou duas categorias com maior frequência, que são: equilíbrio da saúde mental, antes (35,44%) e depois (50,65%) e equilíbrio da saúde física, antes (16,46%) e depois (27,27%). Quanto à estrutura representacional do Reiki, o possível núcleo central dos dois grupos analisados foi composto pelas palavras energia, relaxamento e tranquilidade, configurando-se como uma dimensão funcional e positiva do Reiki e não apresentando variação da representação antes e depois da realização da terapia. O estudo experimental apresentou como resultados...

The objective of this study is to analyze the impact of Reiki therapy on the subjective well-being of users and their social representations in a public university in Rio de Janeiro. It is a quantitative-qualitative research with experimental approach, with its referential supported on the Theory of Social Representations. The study group was composed of 60 subjects who never had access to therapy, interviewed before and after three sessions of Reiki. The data were collected by means of four instruments: questionnaire for identification of subjects, questionnaire for social representation of Reiki, questionnaire for free evocation and Subjective Well-Being scale. The data analysis was performed with descriptive and inferential statistics with the software SPSS 19; structural analysis and content analysis of social representations from the EVOC software. The participants are female (88.33%); college education (76.66%); students of higher education and high school and nurses (or 48.34%); are employed (56.67%); personal income less than R$ 1,000.00 (41.67%); single (61.67%); lives alone (68.33%); have steady companion (68.33%); without disease (58.33%); use of non-conventional therapy (63.33%); has religion (88.33%) and Catholic religion (33.33%) and evangelical (21.67%). As to the search of Reiki before and after, two categories emerged from six with greater frequency, which are the balance of mental health, before (35.44%) and after (50.65%) and balance of physical health, before (16.46%) and after (27.27%). Regarding the representational structure of Reiki, the possible central nucleus of two groups analyzed was composed by the words energy, relaxation and tranquility, configuring it as a functional dimension and positive Reiki and not showing variation of representation before and after the completion of therapy. The experimental study presented as results in experiment I:..

O uso da terapia reiki nas américas do norte e do sul: uma revisão / Use of reiki therapy in countries of the north and south: a review / El uso de la terapia reiki en las américas del norte y del sur: una revisión

Trata-se de um artigo de revisão que objetiva identificar a produção científica sobre a Terapia Reiki nas bases de dados ScIELO, LILACS e MEDLINE, utilizando os descritores Reiki e terapias complementares. Foram consideradas como variáveis: ano de publicação, disponibilização do texto, país, periódico e número de autores. Constatou-se que os estudos foram publicados com predominância na base de dados MEDLINE, 41(87,23%), e em 2003 - 10(21,27%) e 2010 - 6(12,78%); os artigos, na maioria, apresentaram somente resumo, 29(61,70%); o país destacado foi Estados Unidos, com 41(87,23%); e o periódico Holistic Nursing Practice, com 6(12,77%) textos. Conclui-se que o quantitativo de pesquisas abordando a temática ainda é incipiente, especialmente no Brasil, o que aponta para a necessidade de novas investigações do uso do Reiki e seu impacto, utilizando método científico e com amostras ampliadas, consolidando uma base de dados que justifique a sua validade terapêutica.

This review article aimed to identify the scientific literature on Reiki Therapy in the ScIELO, LILACS and MEDLINE databases, using the descriptors ‘Reiki’ and ‘complementary therapies’. The variables considered were year ofpublication, full text available, country, journal, and number of authors. It was found that the studies were recorded predominantly in MEDLINE (41; 87.23%), published in 2003(10; 21.27%) and 2010(6; 12.78%), most articles appeared only as abstract (29;61.70%), the foremost country was United States (41; 87.23%) and the journal, Holistic Nursing Practice (6; 12.77%). It is concluded that quantitative research on this subject is still incipient in Brazil, indicating a need to continue investigating the use of Reiki and its impact, using scientific method and larger samples, to establish a body of data that justifies its validity as therapy.

Se trata de un artículo de revisión que objetiva identificar la producción científica sobre la Teoría Reiki en las bases de datos ScIELO, LILACS Y MEDLINE, usando los descriptores Reiki y terapias complementares. Fueron consideradas como variables: año de publicación, disponibilización del texto, país, periódico y número de autores. Se constató que los estudios fueron publicados predominantemente em la base de datos MEDLINE: 41(87,23%), y en 2003 – 10(21,27%) y 2010– 6(12,78%); predominaron los artículos que presentaron sólo resumen: 29(61,70%); el país destacado fue Estados Unidos: 41(87,23%); y el periódico Holistic Nursing Practice con 6(12,77%) textos. Se concluye que el cuantitativo de pesquisas enfocando la temática es a un incipiente, especialmente en Brasil, lo que apunta para la necesidad de nuevas investigaciones sobre el uso del Reiki y su impacto, utilizando método científico y con muestras ampliadas, consolidando una base de datos que pueda justificar su validad terapéutica.

[Reclaiming the body through touch-relaxation massage]. / Se réapproprier son corps grâce au toucher-massage.

More than just a simple technique, touch-relaxation massage in the protected haematology unit of Nantes general hospital has become a real personalised act of care, in what are often difficult conditions of hospitalisation. It forms part of the global support of patients suffering from leukaemia.

The use of healing touch in integrative oncology.

The use of complementary therapies by patients with cancer has become increasingly prevalent; as a result, oncology nurses find themselves needing to understand those therapies and the evidence-based support for their use. This article describes the integrative use of the biofield therapy healing touch in conjunction with the chemoradiation received by patients with cervical cancer (stages IB1 to IVA) as reported in a 2010 research study. Findings indicated effects on the immune response and depression in healing touch recipients compared to patients receiving relaxation or standard care. Specifically, healing touch recipients demonstrated a minimal decrease in natural killer cell cytotoxicity over the course of treatment, whereas the cytotoxicity of patients receiving relaxation therapy and standard care declined sharply during radiation. Healing touch recipients also showed decreases in depressed mood compared to relaxation therapy and standard care recipients. The findings suggest that appropriate integration of complementary modalities into oncology care can enhance the impact of conventional care by putting patients in the best condition to use their innate healing resources.

Reiki therapy: a nursing intervention for critical care.

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is not generally associated with the complexity and intensity of critical care. Most CAM therapies involve slow, calming techniques that seem to be in direct contrast with the fast-paced, highly technical nature of critical care. However, patients in critical care often find themselves coping with the pain and stress of their illness exacerbated by the stress of the critical care environment. Complementary and alternative medicine-related research reveals that complementary therapies, such as Reiki, relieve pain and anxiety and reduce symptoms of stress such as elevated blood pressure and pulse rates. Patients and health care professionals alike have become increasingly interested in complementary and alternative therapies that do not rely on expensive, invasive technology, and are holistic in focus. Reiki is cost-effective, noninvasive, and can easily be incorporated into patient care. The purpose of this article is to examine the science of Reiki therapy and to explore Reiki as a valuable nursing intervention.

The effect of therapeutic touch on postoperative patients.

BACKGROUND: Therapeutic Touch (TT) is a complementary modality that has been demonstrated to reduce psychological distress and help patients to relax. It is unclear if there is an impact of TT on biobehavioral markers such as cortisol and natural killer cells (NKCs). There is some preliminary evidence that suggests relaxation may have positive effects on the immune system. PURPOSE: To test the efficacy of TT on pain and biobehavioral markers in patients recovering from vascular surgery. FRAMEWORK: The study was grounded in a psychoneuroimmunology framework to address how complementary therapies affect pain and biobehavioral markers associated with recovery in surgical patients. DESIGN: This was a between-subjects intervention study. SAMPLE: Twenty-one postoperative surgical patients. MEASURES: Measures of level of pain and levels of cortisol and NKCs were obtained before and after a TT treatment. RESULTS: Compared with those who received usual care, participants who received TT had significantly lower level of pain, lower cortisol level, and higher NKC level. CONCLUSIONS AND IMPLICATIONS: Evidence supports TT as a beneficial intervention with patients. Future research on TT is still needed to learn more about how it functions. However, there is evidence to support incorporating TT into nursing practice.

Endoscopic procedure with a modified Reiki intervention: a pilot study.

This pilot study examined the use of Reiki prior to colonoscopy to reduce anxiety and minimize intraprocedure medications compared with usual care. A prospective, nonblinded, partially randomized patient preference design was employed using 21 subjects undergoing colonoscopy for the first time. Symptoms of anxiety and pain were assessed using a Likert-type scale. Between-group differences were assessed using chi-square analyses and analysis of variance. There were no differences between the control (n = 10) and experimental (n = 11) groups on age (mean = 58 years, SD = 8.5) and gender (53% women). The experimental group had higher anxiety (4.5 vs. 2.6, p = .03) and pain (0.8 vs. 0.2, p = .42) scores prior to colonoscopy. The Reiki intervention reduced mean heart rate (-9 beats/minute), systolic blood pressure (-10 mmHg), diastolic blood pressure (-4 mmHg), and respirations (-3 breaths/minute). There were no between-group differences on intraprocedure medication use or postprocedure physiologic measures. Although the experimental group patients had more symptoms, they did not require additional pain medication during the procedure, suggesting that (1) anxious people may benefit from an adjunctive therapy; (2) anxiety and pain are decreased by Reiki therapy for patients undergoing colonoscopy, and (3) additional intraprocedure pain medication may not be needed for colonoscopy patients receiving Reiki therapy. This pilot study provided important insights in preparation for a rigorous, randomized, controlled clinical trial.

Reflection of a 7-year patient care program: implementing and sustaining an integrative hospital program.

Integrative alternative therapies, also known as holistic therapies, have many applications in hospitals and health centers. These may include relaxation therapies, meditation, massage, reflexology, and Reiki or healing touch. Patients today are looking for these services, and institutions continue to explore ways to provide them without affecting their bottom line. The Integrative Cardiac Wellness Program is such a service, and its growth and longevity comes out of the personal investment of the staff to the program and to their patients. The literature review on the permanence of caring practice shows that caring about your work with patients, not just the job, is critical in longevity (Graber & Mitcham, 2004). The holistic nurses' and staff 's commitment to their professional growth within their specialty and their personal spiritual practice as experts in the field forms the backbone of the Integrative Wellness Program's success. It has been in existence for 7 years, providing integrative healing therapies to more than 7,000 patients, making it one of the most experienced. The program now serves cardiac surgery patients, and patients who have been diagnosed with cancer.

Integrative therapies in hospice and home health: introduction and adoption.

Integrative therapies comprise a variety of nonpharmacologic methods that provide pain and symptom management. These therapies are increasingly gaining acceptance in the healthcare community as complementary to traditional treatments for pain. This article details the introduction, scope, and challenges healthcare organizations face when incorporating integrative therapies into their care plans.

Therapeutic touch with preterm infants: composing a treatment.

BACKGROUND: Therapeutic touch (TT), a complementary therapy, has been shown to decrease stress, anxiety, and pain in adults and children, as well as improve mobility in patients with arthritis and fibromyalgia. However, less has been reported about the effectiveness of this therapy with infants, particularly preterm infants. OBJECTIVES: The aims of this research study were to explore the nature of the use of TT with preterm infants and describe a TT treatment process for this vulnerable population. DESIGN: Narrative inquiry and qualitative descriptive methods were used to discover knowledge about how TT is used with preterm infants. DATA COLLECTION: Telephone/in-person interviews and written narratives provided the data describing nurses' use of TT with preterm infants. PARTICIPANTS: The participants were registered nurses who practiced TT with preterm infants for varying years of experience. RESULTS: The participants described the responses of infants, 25 to 37 weeks postgestational age, whom they treated with TT. The infants' responses to TT included reduced heart and respiratory rates, enhanced ability to rest, improved coordination in sucking, swallowing, and breathing, and a greater ability to engage with the environment. The practitioners described the phases and elements of TT for preterm infants, which revealed unique patterns, for example, the treatment phase included the elements of smoothing and containing. CONCLUSION: The description that emerged from the practitioners' narratives of the TT treatment process for preterm infants provides preliminary data for the systematic use and evaluation of TT as an adjunct to facilitating preterm infants' physiological, behavioral, energy field development, and well-being.

Reiki as a clinical intervention in oncology nursing practice.

Oncology nurses and their patients are frequently on the cutting edge of new therapies and interventions that support coping, health, and healing. Reiki is a practice that is requested with increasing frequency, is easy to learn, does not require expensive equipment, and in preliminary research, elicits a relaxation response and helps patients to feel more peaceful and experience less pain. Those who practice Reiki report that it supports them in self-care and a healthy lifestyle. This article will describe the process of Reiki, review current literature, present vignettes of patient responses to the intervention, and make recommendations for future study.

Does therapeutic touch help reduce pain and anxiety in patients with cancer?

With more than 10 million patients with cancer in the United States, pain and symptom management is an important topic for oncology nurses. Complementary therapies, such as therapeutic touch, may offer nurses a nonpharmacologic method to ease patients' pain. Using 12 research studies, the authors examined the evidence concerning the effectiveness of this type of treatment in reducing pain and anxiety.

Evaluation of haptotherapy for patients with cancer treated with chemotherapy at a day clinic.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to evaluate a haptotherapeutic treatment and its effects on the perceived well-being of patients with cancer treated with chemotherapy in day care. METHODS: The study had a pre-test-post-test semi-experimental design, with 31 patients in the intervention group and 26 in the control group. Patients in the control group were matched with patients in the experimental condition with respect to age, gender, type of cancer, type of chemotherapy, prognosis and the period between pre- and post-test. Standardized questionnaires were used measuring perceived well-being and satisfaction with care (haptotherapy). Indicators of well-being measured were quality of life, mood, meaning in life, general functioning, physical and psychological symptoms, sleep quality and body awareness. The intervention consisted of five haptotherapy sessions of 45 minutes each. Patients in the control condition received standard medical care. RESULTS: Patients were highly satisfied with the haptotherapy treatment, and especially valued the personal attention and the relaxation they experienced. The haptotherapy treatment improved both the perceived general quality of life and the perceived cognitive and social functioning of patients. No improvement was found for mood, meaning in life, general functioning, physical symptoms, sleep quality and body awareness. CONCLUSION: It may be concluded that haptotherapy positively contributes to several indicators of perceived well-being of patients with cancer during the period they receive chemotherapy. More rigorous experimental studies are necessary in this field, especially concerning randomization, number of participants and homogeneity of the sample. PRACTICE IMPLICATIONS: Haptotherapy as a type of complementary medicine is a potentially valuable and effective intervention to raise the well-being of patients with cancer undergoing invasive treatments like chemotherapy.

The increasing use of reiki as a complementary therapy in specialist palliative care.

Palliative medicine and complementary therapies (CTs) have developed within the NHS as parallel philosophies of care. As a result, the last decade has seen an increase in the integration and usage of CTs, as adjunct therapies to conventional medical treatment. Documented benefits of relaxation, decreased perception of pain, reduced anxiety and improved sense of wellbeing have been shown to enable an enhanced quality of life, where curative treatment is no longer an option. Reiki is a more recent addition to the range of CTs available to cancer patients. As an energy-healing intervention it has gained in popularity as a non-invasive and non-pharmacological approach. Anecdotal evidence suggests that the profound relaxation effect has a positive impact on alleviating anxiety, stress, perception of pain and promotes a feeling of wellbeing particularly relating to the nature of psychospiritual wellbeing. However, there is very little evidence to support its application within clinical practice, and none within the specific field of specialist palliative care (SPC). This article will consider the position of reiki as an emerging CT within SPC. The function of the hospice movement, the role of CTs together with an understanding of energy healing will also be explored. Within this context, the rise in popularity of reiki and its potential benefits for SPC patients will be discussed. These considerations will then form the basis of the justification for further research in SPC.

Aplicação do toque terapêutico (método Krieger-Kunz) no alívio da dor em uma vítima de politrauma - dignidade humana na assistência de enfermagem / Application of Therapeutic Touch (Krieger-Kunz Method) in Alleviating Acute Pain in Victims of Multi-Traumatism - Human Dignity in Nursing Assistance

O Toque Terapêutico (TT) é uma técnica complementar de enfermagem baseada na imposição das mãos, que objetiva o equilíbrio de Campo Energético Humano. Assim vem se mostrando muito eficaz na recuperação de diversos processos patológicos traumáticos ou clínicos, no alívio da dor aguda ou crônica e a melhora da qualidade de vida do ser humano que o recebe favorecendo a dignidade humana. Neste artigo são apresentados resultados clínicos da aplicação do TT que indicam alterações benéficas no corpo humano rumo a homeostase, tando física quanto emocional, através da descrição de um estudo de caso em que foi realizada a aplicação do TT a um politraumatizado durante sua internação, numa frequência de uma sessão a cada trinta e seis horas. Os dados coletados apontaram diminuição da intensidade da "Dor Referida" pelo paciente, conforme escala de dor (possibilitando a diminuição do uso de drogas analgésicas no período), melhora nos padrões de pressão arterial e da qualidade de sono e reposuso. Com esses resultados, o TT mostra-se um instrumento que o enfermeiro pode lançar mão no planejamento e implementação da assistência ao paciente em quadros de "Dor Aguda", disfunção do sono e repouso, melhorando sua qualidade de vida frente à patologia, ao enfrentamento de sua condição e à internação, garantindo princípios bioéticos como a beneficência e a não maleficência.