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

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