Evidence-based practice and reviews of therapeutic touch

Area of Science:

• Health Sciences
• Nursing Research
• Evidence-Based Practice

Background:

• Critical thinking and scientific integrity are foundational for accurate research interpretation.
• The reliability of evidence-based practice relies on the faithful representation of original research findings.

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish principles for accurately reporting research in evidence-based practice and healthcare policy.
• To assess the adherence to these principles in literature reviews concerning therapeutic touch.

Main Methods:

• Systematic review of nursing literature on therapeutic touch (1994-1998) and cited research.
• Comparative analysis of review statements on therapeutic touch efficacy against original study results.
• Evaluation of review accuracy by comparing reviewer conclusions with researcher findings.

Main Results:

• Reviews frequently cited only favorable research outcomes, omitting contradictory findings.
• Misrepresentation was common, with studies cited as supporting efficacy actually indicating ineffectiveness.
• All reviewed literature exhibited significant inaccuracies in representing research studies.

Conclusions:

• Accurate research reporting is essential for safe and effective healthcare decisions and resource allocation.
• Adherence to evidence-based principles is vital when reviewing all therapies, including alternative ones like therapeutic touch.