Massage Therapy for Patients with Cancer: Program Development, Analysis, and Public Health Implications

INTRODUCTION: Integrating massage therapy into hospital and community health settings is important. It can provide a useful service for patients, learning opportunities for massage therapists and medical staff, and may allow for more safe and effective patient care. A 2005 study reported that >20% of cancer patients use massage, often for symptom management such as anxiety, pain, and fatigue. We will describe the development of a massage program in a cancer hospital, provide an analysis with lessons learned, and discuss public health implications.

METHODS: A feasibility assessment and benchmarking was performed. Procedures for credentialing, documentation, infection control, and reimbursement were developed. Clinical statistics, patient demographics, and outcome information were recorded. A retrospective review of data from assessment forms was performed.

RESULTS: The massage service averages 600 visits/year with >2100 visits since 2002. Sessions are 45 minutes. Main referral sources: social workers and patients. Mean age of patients: 49, 85% Females, 15% Males. Most frequently seen diagnoses: breast cancer, gynecological cancers, and hematological malignancies. Primary reasons patients report using massage in this public health setting: anxiety, pain, myalgias and arthralgias, fatigue, insomnia, and depression.

CONCLUSION: Development of this service was successful. Analysis revealed it is feasible to offer massage within the cancer hospital, patients are interested in massage, and both clinicians and patients experience serious benefit from it. Whether massage is in a hospital or other public health setting, communication with the entire medical team and proper documentation are essential components of fully incorporating and benefiting from this clinical service.