Does Therapeutic Touch Help Reduce Pain and Anxiety in Patients With Cancer?

Authors:
  • MKMegan Kelley
    Megan Kelley
  • PMPatrick McNeil
    Patrick McNeil
  • EMEileen Meyer
    Eileen Meyer
  • LSLauren Schlegel
    Lauren Schlegel
  • MEMelody Eaton
    Melody Eaton
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Abstract
With more than 10 million patients with cancer in the United States, pain and symptom management is an important topic for oncology nurses. Complementary therapies, such as therapeutic touch, may offer nurses a nonpharmacologic method to ease patients' pain. Using 12 research studies, the authors examined the evidence concerning the effectiveness of this type of treatment in reducing pain and anxiety.