Touch : nurses' knowledge and awareness

Abstract

Nurses' Knowledge and Awareness of Touch on General Medical and Surgical Wards The 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.