Kelly, A.E., Sullivan, P., Fawcett, J., & Samarel, N. (2004). Therapeutic touch, quiet time, and dialogue: Perceptions of women with breast cancer. Oncology Nursing Forum, 31, 625–631.

This intervention was therapeutic touch (TT). The experimental group received 10 minutes of TT and 20 minutes of dialogue, and the control group received 10 minutes of quiet time and 20 minutes of dialogue. Data were collected as part of a larger experimental study of the effects of TT on pre- and postoperative anxiety and mood and pain in women with breast cancer. Telephone interviews were conducted at the completion of an experimental or control nursing intervention administered in the women’s homes before and after breast cancer surgery. The interview consisted of six open-ended questions.

The study reported on a sample of 18 women with early-stage breast cancer.

Mixed methods of qualitative and quantitative study were used.

Telephone interviews consisting of six open-ended questions

Regardless of experimental or control intervention, women expressed feelings of calmness, relaxation, security, and comfort. No objective measures were reported.

• Validity and reliability of measures are unknown.
• The study had a very small sample size.