Patient Experiences of Receiving the Therapeutic touch of Nurses in Chronic Illness Care: A Qualitative Study
Dublin Core
Title
Patient Experiences of Receiving the Therapeutic touch of Nurses in Chronic Illness Care: A Qualitative Study
Subject
Chronic illness, non-verbal communication, nurse-patient interaction, Therapeutic touch.
Description
Therapeutic touch is a form of non-verbal communication, but its delivery in clinical settings often does not align
with patient needs. Understanding the perspectives is essential to optimise its use in nursing care. Explore the
experiences of Indonesian patients with chronic illness in receiving the therapeutic touch during hospitalisation.
A qualitative descriptive design was used. Eight patients with chronic disease were recruited through purposive
sampling. Data were collected through in-depth audio recordings and analyzed thematically. Results: Four themes
emerged: Nurses’ ways of providing touch – techniques, intention and manner of initiating touch; Effects of touch
– emotional comfort, reduced anxiety and perceived support; Timing of touch – appropriate moments when touch
is expected or meaningful; Cultural and belief influences – feelings of shame, religious considerations and personal
boundaries. Most of the patients expressed positive perceptions of therapeutic touch and acknowledged its benefits
for comfort and connection. However, some hesitated due to cultural norms, religious values, or limited prior
experience. Patients emphasised their right to therapeutic touch when nurses provide care, especially when it
conveys empathy and genuine care. Practice Implications: Nurses should strengthen their use of therapeutic touch as part of holistic care. Health professionals are encouraged to integrate therapeutic touch intentionally and sensitively during hospitalisation.
with patient needs. Understanding the perspectives is essential to optimise its use in nursing care. Explore the
experiences of Indonesian patients with chronic illness in receiving the therapeutic touch during hospitalisation.
A qualitative descriptive design was used. Eight patients with chronic disease were recruited through purposive
sampling. Data were collected through in-depth audio recordings and analyzed thematically. Results: Four themes
emerged: Nurses’ ways of providing touch – techniques, intention and manner of initiating touch; Effects of touch
– emotional comfort, reduced anxiety and perceived support; Timing of touch – appropriate moments when touch
is expected or meaningful; Cultural and belief influences – feelings of shame, religious considerations and personal
boundaries. Most of the patients expressed positive perceptions of therapeutic touch and acknowledged its benefits
for comfort and connection. However, some hesitated due to cultural norms, religious values, or limited prior
experience. Patients emphasised their right to therapeutic touch when nurses provide care, especially when it
conveys empathy and genuine care. Practice Implications: Nurses should strengthen their use of therapeutic touch as part of holistic care. Health professionals are encouraged to integrate therapeutic touch intentionally and sensitively during hospitalisation.
Creator
Fitrianola Rezkiki, Imelda Rahmayunia Kartika, Cory Febrina, Nisa Nurliana Fatin
Source
https://doi.org/10.23917/bik.v19i1.10105
Publisher
Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta
Date
2026
Contributor
Sri Wahyuni
Rights
p-ISSN: 1979-2697
e-ISSN: 2721-1797
e-ISSN: 2721-1797
Format
PDF
Language
English
Type
Text
Files
Collection
Citation
Fitrianola Rezkiki, Imelda Rahmayunia Kartika, Cory Febrina, Nisa Nurliana Fatin, “Patient Experiences of Receiving the Therapeutic touch of Nurses in Chronic Illness Care: A Qualitative Study,” Repository Horizon University Indonesia, accessed February 12, 2026, https://repository.horizon.ac.id/items/show/10841.