Improving the Comprehensive Care Offered to Hospitalized Patients with Cancer: A Massage Therapy Service Integration

INTRODUCTION:

Patients with cancer endure many difficult symptoms while hospitalized. A 2005 study reported that >20% of cancer patients use massage therapy to manage symptoms like anxiety, pain, &fatigue. Incorporating massage into the comprehensive care for a hospitalized oncology patient may help ease the burden of these symptoms and improve the patient's hospital stay. We'll describe development of an in-patient massage program and discuss public health implications.

METHODS:

Clinical standards, feasibility, and benchmarking assessments were performed. Procedures for credentialing, documentation, infection control, referrals, and communication were developed. Clinical statistics and staff opinions were recorded. A retrospective review of data from a nursing survey was done.

RESULTS:

In just over a year, 111 massages were performed with 78 individual patients receiving massage. Massages were 30-60 minutes long and in the hospital bed. The massage therapist reported she used massage for many symptoms:backaches, limb pain, insomnia, &anxiety.

90% of nursing staff respondents reported this new service was very beneficial for their patients. All believed it had an important impact on their patients' quality of care or hospital stay, 90% reported a “large impact.” All nurse respondents reported being satisfied with it, 90% “extremely satisfied.”

CONCLUSION:

Development of this massage service for in-patients was successful. Analysis revealed that it may improve the comprehensive care offered to hospitalized patients with cancer and have a significant impact on their hospital stay. Whether massage is offered in a hospital or another public health setting as part of a comprehensive care plan, funding and communication are essential components of fully incorporating this important clinical service.