This study is a US hospital looked at the effect of massage therapy on patient's symptom burden and medication use pattern, and for caregivers, the impact of massage therapy on distress. A total of 135 10 minute bedtime massages were provided to children and their caregivers. The FLACC scale was used, with over 80% of children scoring a lower FLACC rate after the massage. The massage proved effective for all care givers. The authors conclude massage therapy is a potentially meaningful intervention for pediatric patients with a noted impact on symptom burden, benefit to family caregivers and acceptance by nursing staff.
Weekly, T. et al. 2018. Impact of a massage therapy intervention for pediatric palliative care patients and their family caregivers. Journal of Palliative Care epub.
Contact the library for a copy
Contact the library for a copy