Feasibility and Acceptability of Reiki Therapy for Children Receiving Palliative Care in the Home

Reiki is often used but not well studied in children. Yet, this gentle, light-touch therapy promotes relaxation and is appropriate for those receiving palliative care. This quasi-experimental pre-post mixed-methods 1-group pilot study examined the feasibility and acceptability of Reiki therapy as a treatment for children aged 7 to 16 years receiving palliative care. During the study, we recorded recruitment, retention, data collection rates, and percent completion of the intervention. Structured interviews with the mothers and verbal children were conducted to elicit their experience. Qualitative data were analyzed using thematic analysis. Twenty-one parent-child dyads agreed to participate and signed consent, whereas 16 completed the study (including verbal [n = 8] and nonverbal [n = 8] children). Themes included "feeling better," "hard to judge," and "still going on." Mothers and children were generally positive regarding the experience of receiving Reiki therapy. Children reported they "felt really relaxed," and mothers stated, "It was a good experience" and "She was relaxed afterward." The results of this pilot study show that Reiki was feasible, acceptable, and well-tolerated. Most participants reported it was helpful. Reiki therapy may be a useful adjunct with traditional medical management for symptoms in children receiving palliative care.


PMID: 33252426 DOI: 10.1097/NJH.0000000000000714