Non-necessary touch in the nursing care of elderly people


Author: Routasalo P

Affiliation: Department of Nursing, University of Turku, Finland
Conference/Journal: J Adv Nurs
Date published: 1996 
Other:
 Volume ID: 23   ,  Issue ID: 5   ,  Pages: 904-11   ,  Word Count: 98  
    This study describes the occurrence of non-necessary touching, defined as spontaneous and emotional physical contact between the nurse and patient, in the nursing care of elderly people in long-term care. The analysis was based on observation of nursing situations; any verbal communication occurring in connection with touching was also recorded. A total of 182 situations were studied in which 178 non-necessary touches by the nurse and four by the patient were recorded. Non-necessary touching was used in connection with a wide range of activities: making statements, making requests, waking up, encouraging, explaining, asking, comforting, teasing, telling off, hugging and thanking.