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Re/Affirming the Power of Simple Touch as an Expression of Caring in Palliative and End-of-Life Care

Sean M Reed1, Marlaine C Smith

  • 1Author Affiliations: College of Nursing, University of Colorado, Aurora, Colorado (Dr Reed); and Anne Boykin Institute for the Advancement of Caring in Nursing, Christine E. Lynn College of Nursing, Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton, Florida (Dr Smith).

Holistic Nursing Practice
|February 19, 2026
PubMed

Simple human touch is a vital therapeutic modality in palliative care, though it remains underexplored within Unitary Caring Science as a foundational nursing practice. In this qualitative descriptive study, the benefits of simple touch were examined through structured interviews with 6 providers and 7 recipients from the Reducing End-of-Life Symptoms with Touch study. Content analysis using synoptic knowing revealed 4 key themes: Simple touch (1) supports relaxation, reduces pain, and improves overall wellbeing/wellbecoming; (2) creates connections between providers and recipients; (3) supports patterned awareness through peaceful environments; and (4) provides safe spaces that enable openness and self-reflection. These findings illuminate simple touch as an accessible and powerful expression of caring that is significant as a modality for holistic nursing practice. The study underscores the importance of integrating this practice into palliative care, offering a resource that embodies nursing's commitment to compassionate care.

Keywords:
Unitary Caring Sciencepalliative carequalitative researchtouch

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