Therapeutic TouchTM in a geriatric palliative care unit – A retrospective review (the role of therapeutic touch in symptoms relief in terminally ill patients and it's impact on Pa…

Introduction: Complementary therapies are increasingly used in palliative care as an adjunct to the standard management of symptoms to achieve an overall well-being for patients with malignant and non-malignant terminal illnesses. A Therapeutic Touch Program was introduced to a geriatric Palliative Care Unit in October 2010. Two volunteer Therapeutic Touch Practitioners offer the therapy to patients who have given verbal consent. Objective: To conduct a retrospective review of Therapeutic Touch services provided to patients in an in-patient geriatric palliative care unit to better understand the impact of the Th…