The "how to's" of touch.
Touch, described as the most important of all the senses (Clement, 1987), confirms the reality perceived through the other senses and is a central part of the communication process (Montague, 1971; Mintz, 1969). Touch can be a tremendously supportive nursing technique. A pat on the shoulder, a hug, or a squeeze of the hand can create warmth and closeness that facilitates communication, decreases anxiety, and enables patients to tolerate discomfort. However, touch needs to be used deliberatively, with empathy, and with close attention to each person's unique needs. It is a nursing intervention that needs to be tailored to the patient's needs and responses.
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D001290:Attitude; D003469:Culture; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009723:Nurse-Patient Relations; D014110:Touch