Therapeutic Touching of Patients in Nursing Care
Abstract
Deliberate touch is still one of the pillars of nursing care, despite the fact that its role, impact, and significance in clinical practice still need to be better understood. The method is particularly applicable to geriatric care, given the unique challenges and experiences of the population. Elderly patients are more prone to being isolated from friends and family and having fragile psychological and emotional states, so therapeutic contact will considerably lessen feelings of loneliness and loss. People widely use physical contact and/or touch to show friendliness, sympathy, and support. Hugging is a typical example of how people utilize physical touch to communicate emotions and establish a closeness with others. Hugging as therapy reduces the severity of illness symptoms and promotes the release of oxytocin, a hormone that uplifts the mood. Hugging and other physical touch are frequently effective at lowering stress and enhancing blood flow. Contrarily, Lewin’s theory argues that both individuals and groups are a part of the forces that support the status quo, making the change process difficult.
Keywords: contact; sensitivity; acceptance; warmth; and understanding
INTRODUCTION
It will take more investigation using an evidence-based methodology to decide whether physical contact with patients is a suitable type of therapy. In some situations, physical touch may be acceptable and beneficial. Therefore, nurses should demonstrate their awareness of their surroundings and be able to distinguish between circumstances in which physical contact is advised and those in which it should be avoided. The patient’s health outcomes and a general sense of well-being would be improved by giving them a hug or another form of physical contact in other situations, such as senior care because it would make them feel loved, appreciated, and recognized.