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Published on: March 15, 2019
Impacts of Touch massage on the experience of patients with chronic pain: A protocol for a mixed method study
Maria Goreti Da Rocha Rodrigues1, Catherine Bollondi Pauly2, Camille Thentz3
1School of Health Sciences, HES-SO University of Applied Sciences and Arts Western Switzerland, Geneva, 47 avenue de Champel, 1206 Genève, Switzerland; Professional practices pole, Care direction, University Hospitals of Geneva, rue Gabrielle Perret-Gentil 4, 1205, Geneva, Switzerland.
Background:
Chronic pain is a major public health problem. It affects the quality of life of many patients and their families and compromises physical and social functioning and psychological well-being. Non-pharmacological interventions are increasingly being used as a complement to chronic pain care. One of these interventions is Touch massage (TM) that can provide relaxation, comfort and well-being. In addition to its various physiological functions, TM can be used as a social communication tool.
Materials And Methods:
This is a cluster study with an exploratory qualitative part. Two groups will be considered: the experimental group will benefit from a TM delivered by trained members of care team and the control group will benefit from an intervention of the same duration with a foot massage device. At least 4 sessions will be delivered and spread over two weeks. Sample size calculation showed that 78 participants (39 per group) need to be included. As for the qualitative part, semi-structured interviews will be conducted to investigate the patients' perception of the intervention; focus groups will explore the satisfaction and general perception of the health care teams.
Expected Results:
Incorporating TM interventions into care planning could bring benefits in supporting patients suffering from chronic pain. TM is expected to increase the patients' feelings that their pain is seriously considered; physical and psychological support should help improve their sense of comfort and well-being and hence their quality of life. This practice might thus improve the caregiver-patient relationship with TM as a providing a new means of establishing communication through touch.
Trial Registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04295603, Registered on March 4, 2020.
