The Benefits of Caring Massage^® for Patients and Nurses: A Delphi Study

Background: The Caring Massage^® (CM) consists of nurse-patient physical and mental contact. It promotes empathetic presence and emotional closeness and strengthens trust and safety in the nurse-patient relationship. However, previous studies have underexplored and under-evaluated its effectiveness on different body areas. This study aimed to identify the body areas to be treated and assess CM's influence on the nurses performing it and patients receiving it. Method: A Delphi study was conducted to gather expert opinions on Caring Massage^®. A preliminary list of body areas and variables influenced by CM was developed from a literature review and submitted to panelists to identify outcomes, achieving an acceptable content validity rate. Patient and nurse variables as influenced by CM were categorized into "Bio-Physiological Outcomes" (BPOs), "Psychological Outcomes" (POs), and "Sociological Outcomes" (SOs). Two Delphi rounds were conducted between July and October 2024. Results: A total of 86 panelists were recruited, who identified 58 variables (7 body areas, 29 patient variables, and 22 nurse variables). Feet, legs, back, hands, shoulders, and arms were identified as key CM treatment areas. Patient outcomes identified as highly influenced by receiving CM were quality of sleep (BPO), emotional well-being (PO), and nurse-patient relationship (SO). Nurse outcomes highly influenced by performing CM were physical well-being (BPO), body respect (PO), and consideration of the patient as a person (SO). Conclusion: Caring Massage^® influences multiple aspects concerning both the patients receiving it and nurses performing it. This study addressed the heterogeneity observed in the literature, providing a foundation for future studies and encouraging further investigations.