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Research: SMITH and colleagues,
Listed in Issue 46
Abstract
SMITH and colleagues, University of Colorado Health Sciences Center School of Nursing in Denver USA write that acute and long-term care facilities are implementing massage therapy programmes to support patients health, healing, and quality of life . The authors attempted to evaluate the impact of these programmes within an acute care setting.
Background
Methodology
The authors conducted a descriptive and qualitative evaluation within a large university hospital. Surveys and narrative reports were completed by 70 patients, 14 healthcare providers and 4 massage therapists. 113 hospitalised patients received 1-4 massages during the course of their hospital stay. The main outcome measures included pain, sleep, tension/anxiety, body awareness, physical functioning, psychological support, enhancing healing and value.
Results
the most frequently cited outcomes were increased relaxation (98%), a sense of well-being (93%), and positive mood change (88%). Greater than two thirds of patients attributed enhanced mobility, greater energy increased participation in treatment and faster recovery to the massage therapy.
Conclusion
This study supported the value of this hospital-based massage therapy programme and elucidated a range of benefits of massage therapy for hospitalised patients. Further research is needed.
References
Smith MC et al. Benefits of massage therapy for hospitalised patients: a descriptive and qualitative evaluation. Alternative therapies in Health and Medicine 5(4): 64-71. Jul 1999.
