Weze, C., Leathard, H. L., Grange, J., Tiplady, P., & Stevens, G. (2004). Evaluation of healing by gentle touch in 35 clients with cancer. European Journal of Oncology Nursing, 8, 40–49.
DOI Link
Intervention Characteristics/Basic Study Process
The healing touch method was a noninvasive, noncondition-specific method in which hands were placed on various parts of the body for about 40 minutes; particular attention was given to areas of pain or discomfort. Four one-hour sessions were conducted over four to six weeks (or withdrawn).
Sample Characteristics
- The sample was comprised of 35 patients (11 men and 23 women reported).
- Mean age was 57 years (range 24–80).
- About half of the sample had cancer for less than a year, and about half had cancer for one to five years.
- Cancer types were mixed, but 40% of patients had advanced disease.
Setting
- Outpatient center for complementary care
- Eskdale, Cumbria
Phase of Care and Clinical Applications
Patients were undergoing the active treatment and long-term follow-up phases of care.
Study Design
The study used a one-group, pre- and posttest feasibility design.
Measurement Instruments/Methods
- EuroQol EQ-5D
- Visual analog scales: Sleep disturbance was scored from 0 to 3 (sleeping too much), 4 to 7 (sleeping well), and 8 to 10 (sleeping poorly).
Results
A statistically significant improvement was found from pre- to posttest for sleep disturbance.
Limitations
- The study had a small sample size.
- Healthcare providers must be trained in healing touch.
- Participants’ baseline scores served as their own controls.