Touch: Nurses' Knowledge and Awareness

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AuthorPamela Abela
AbstractThe literature available on touch was reviewed in order to obtain a general understanding of the need individuals have for touch, especially those who are ill. However, this study focuses on touch as a means of enhancing nurse-patient communication. It became apparent that touch is an essential component of nurse/patient care. It encourages a therapeutic nurse-patient relationship and fosters an environment that is conducive to recovery or adaptation- However, general observation led the writer to suspect that nurses are not aware of the therapeutic value of touch. A descriptive study was therefore designed to assess nurses' knowledge and awareness regarding the use of touch in medical and surgical wards using a self-administered questionnaire. A pilot study was carried out in order to test the instrument designed. Faults in relation to the instrument are highlighted with suggestions for improvement prior to a full study being undertaken.

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Key wordsTouch, Nurses, Knowledge, Awareness, Thesis

Compiled by: Dr. I. Stabile    Dr. J. Pace