Related Experiment Videos
Treating children with therapeutic and healing touch
Kathi J Kemper1, Erica A Kelly
1Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Medical Center Blvd., Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA.
Pediatric Annals
|April 23, 2004
Summary
Healing Touch (HT) and Therapeutic Touch (TT) are nursing-derived therapies used in pediatric hospitals to reduce patient stress, anxiety, and pain, promoting well-being. Further research is needed to optimize their use and understand their full benefits.
Area of Science:
- Integrative medicine
- Nursing-led therapies
- Complementary and alternative medicine
Background:
- Healing Touch (HT) and Therapeutic Touch (TT) are established nursing interventions.
- These touch techniques are commonly integrated into pediatric hospital settings.
- They are frequently employed as adjunctive therapies to manage patient distress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the efficacy and application of HT and TT in pediatric care.
- To identify the need for further research into the mechanisms and optimization of these therapies.
- To evaluate the overall value of incorporating HT and TT alongside conventional treatments.
Main Methods:
- The study is a review of existing literature and clinical practices regarding HT and TT.
- Analysis of reported outcomes and practitioner/patient experiences.
- Identification of research gaps and areas for future investigation.
Main Results:
- HT and TT are safe and accessible interventions.
- Anecdotal evidence suggests improved well-being for patients and practitioners.
- Current research does not fully elucidate the mechanisms, optimal protocols, or cost-benefit analyses.
Conclusions:
- HT and TT show promise as supportive therapies in pediatric settings.
- Further rigorous research is essential to establish evidence-based guidelines.
- Understanding the optimal implementation of these touch therapies can enhance patient care and outcomes.