Effect of therapeutic touch on the well-being of persons with terminal cancer

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of three Therapeutic Touch treatments on the well-being of 20 persons with terminal cancer in palliative care. Participants in the experimental group (n = 10) received three noncontact Therapeutic Touch treatments, the duration of which varied between 15 to 20 minutes. Participants in the control group (n = 10) participated in three rest periods. Well-being was measured at preintervention time and immediately postintervention time using the Well-Being Scale, a visual analogue scale measuring pain, nausea, depression, anxiety, shortness of breath, activity, appetite, relaxation, and inner peace. The results of the study support the hypothesis that three noncontact Therapeutic Touch treatments increase sensation of well-being in persons with terminal cancer.