Author: Anderson JG1, Ann Friesen M2, Fabian J3, Swengros D4, Herbst A4, Mangione L5
Affiliation: <sup>1</sup>University of Virginia School of Nursing, Charlottesville, VA, USA jga3s@virginia.edu.
<sup>2</sup>Inova Health System, Falls Church, VA, USA.
<sup>3</sup>Inova Loudoun Hospital, Leesburg, VA, USA.
<sup>4</sup>Inova Learning Network, Alexandria VA, USA.
<sup>5</sup>Handcrafted Health, Silver Spring, MD, USA.
Conference/Journal: J Holist Nurs.
Date published: 2016 Jun
Other:
Volume ID: 34 , Issue ID: 2 , Pages: 167-76 , Special Notes: doi: 10.1177/0898010115592744. Epub 2015 Jun 29. , Word Count: 151
Given the current transformation of traditional health care to provide more integrative and complementary modalities, health systems are implementing new programs and services to meet consumer and provider needs. One such integrative modality, Healing Touch, with a foundation in holistic nursing, is a gentle therapy that uses touch to promote health and well-being by balancing the human energy system. This article describes the perceptions of registered nurses regarding the implementation of a Healing Touch training program at a multihospital health system. Five themes were identified: benefit to the patient, benefit to the nurse, holism beyond task orientation, integrating Healing Touch into acute care, and barriers and challenges. Nurses recognize the importance of creating caring-healing relationships and a holistic approach to care. Training in Healing Touch provides one avenue for nurses and health care providers to provide compassionate care.
© The Author(s) 2015.
KEYWORDS: Healing Touch; alternative/complementary therapies; nurses (basic)
PMID: 26130464 DOI: 10.1177/0898010115592744