Date of Award

5-16-2017

Degree Type

Evidence-Based Project Report

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Amy C. Cory

Abstract

Healing touch (HT) is a non-invasive energy therapy used in the management of symptoms of various health conditions. HT utilization has demonstrated enhanced comfort and relief of symptoms such as chronic pain, post-traumatic-stress, depression, and anxiety. The purpose of this evidence-based practice (EBP) project was to promote awareness and appointment compliance rate of HT amongst veterans, and also to determine effectiveness of HT intervention on symptom relief and well-being. The PICO question was: “For Veterans, what is the effect of HT education material and mail notification on appointment compliance rate, and HT delivery on symptom relief and well-being as compared prior to HT intervention?” The project took place at a VA Medical Center in Northwest IL. A convenience sample of patients with scheduled HT appointments were followed as a one-group pre-test post-test design. The intervention involved an appointment notification letter with an attached HT education flyer mailed two weeks prior to a patient’s appointment, and the HT session itself delivered by a HT Provider. Outcomes measured included appointment compliance rate, and the effect of HT intervention on presenting symptoms. Appointment compliance rate was measured by frequency and reported kept appointments of 55% overall. A weak Pearson correlation resulted (r (7) = 0.544, p > 0.05). Descriptive statistics and a paired sample t-Test were performed on HTCQ scores and was determined at a level of significance (t (17) = -3.751, p < 0.001). It was concluded HT appears to benefit patients.

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