title: Reflexology audit: patient satisfaction, impact on quality of life and availability in Scottish hospices.
abstract: Complementary therapies are being accessed increasingly by cancer patients. The aims of this audit were to investigate the impact of reflexology on the quality of life of 20 cancer patients, to determine their satisfaction with the service provided and to investigate the availability of this therapy within Scottish hospices. The audit findings suggest that the clients were satisfied with the service received. Respondents noted that their quality of life was improved through a reduction in physical and emotional symptoms. It was found that the provision of reflexology within Scottish hospices varied, with less than half providing this service. The results of this audit suggest that reflexology may be a worthwhile treatment for other cancer patients and requires further research to evaluate the benefits.
authors.affiliation: Ayrshire Cancer Support Group, Scotland.
authors.forename: Mary
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Milligan
authors.forename: Maureen
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Fanning
authors.forename: Sheena
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Hunter
authors.forename: Miriam
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Tadjali
authors.forename: Elaine
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Stevens
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D006302:Health Services Research; D017051:Hospice Care / Q000523:psychology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008405:Massage / Q000523:psychology* / Q000592:standards; D008485:Medical Audit; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000523:psychology*; D017060:Patient Satisfaction; D011788:Quality of Life; D012606:Scotland; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000523:psychology; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires