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Research: VAN DEN BERG and co-authors,
Listed in Issue 139
Abstract
VAN DEN BERG and co-authors, Helen Dowling Institute, Center for Psycho-oncology, P.O. Box 85061, 3508 AB Utrecht, the Netherlands, have evaluated haptotherapy for patients with cancer.
Background
The aim of this study was to evaluate a haptotherapeutic treatment (a form of therapeutic assistance and accompaniment, which aims to help the person to recover or develop his psychic health) and its effects on the perceived well-being of patients with cancer treated with chemotherapy in day care.
Methodology
The study had a pre-test-post-test semi-experimental design, with 31 patients in the intervention group and 26 in the control group. The intervention consisted of five haptotherapy sessions of 45 minutes each compared to routine clinical care. Standardized questionnaires were used to measure perceived well-being and satisfaction with care (haptotherapy). Indicators of well-being measured were quality of life, mood, meaning in life, general functioning, physical and psychological symptoms, sleep quality and body awareness.
Results
Patients were highly satisfied with the haptotherapy treatment, and especially valued the personal attention and the relaxation they experienced. The haptotherapy treatment improved both the perceived general quality of life and the perceived cognitive and social functioning of patients. No improvement was found for mood, meaning in life, general functioning, physical symptoms, sleep quality and body awareness.
Conclusion
Haptotherapy as a type of complementary medicine is a potentially valuable and effective intervention to raise the well-being of patients with cancer undergoing invasive treatments such as chemotherapy.
References
Van den Berg M, Visser A, Schoolmeesters A, Edelman P, van den Borne B. Evaluation of haptotherapy for patients with cancer treated with chemotherapy at a day clinic. Patient Education & Counselling 60 (3): 336-343, Mar 2006.
