title: Feasibility and acceptability of hand massage therapy for pain management of postoperative cardiac surgery patients in the intensive care unit.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The purpose was to evaluate the acceptability and feasibility of hand massage therapy in the intensive care unit (ICU).
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  Clinical guidelines suggest the use of non-pharmacological interventions for pain management in ICU adults. The results presented are secondary to a pilot RCT evaluating the preliminary effectiveness of hand massage on pain after cardiac surgery.
  
  
  METHODS
  A qualitative descriptive design was used. Acceptability was evaluated using individual interviews with participants in both groups i.e., experimental and control (n = 40). Feasibility was examined using field notes and video recordings.
  
  
  RESULTS
  While participants receiving the massage perceived it as appropriate, the control group suggested different dosages of the treatment and body areas targeted. Results also suggest that barriers (e.g. noise, numerous clinical activities) need to be overcome.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Increasing staff acceptance, reducing the rest period, involving families, and repeating the treatment are avenues to consider. Building evidence for non-pharmacological pain management in the critical care setting is necessary.
authors: Ingram School of Nursing, McGill University, Montréal, 3506, University Street, Québec H3A 2A7, Canada; Quebec Nursing Intervention Research Network (RRISIQ), Montréal, Québec, Canada; Faculty of Nursing, Université de Montréal, CP 6128, Succursale Centre-Ville, Montréal, Québec H3C 3J7, Canada.
authors: Géraldine
authors: G
authors: Martorella
authors: Ingram School of Nursing, McGill University, Montréal, 3506, University Street, Québec H3A 2A7, Canada.
authors: Mădălina
authors: M
authors: Boitor
authors: Quebec Nursing Intervention Research Network (RRISIQ), Montréal, Québec, Canada; FMSS École des sciences infirmières, Université de Sherbrooke, 150, place Charles-Le Moyne, bureau 7734, Longueuil, Québec J4K 0A8, Canada.
authors: Cécile
authors: C
authors: Michaud
authors: Ingram School of Nursing, McGill University, Montréal, 3506, University Street, Québec H3A 2A7, Canada; Centre for Nursing Research and Lady Davis Institute, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, Québec, Canada; Quebec Nursing Intervention Research Network (RRISIQ), Montréal, Québec, Canada; Alan Edwards Centre for Research on Pain, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada. Electronic address: celine.gelinas@mcgill.ca.
authors: Céline
authors: C
authors: Gélinas
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D006348:Cardiac Surgical Procedures; D005240:Feasibility Studies; D005260:Female; D006225:Hand; D006801:Humans; D007362:Intensive Care Units; D008297:Male; D008405:Massage / Q000379:methods*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000628:therapy*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D016037:Single-Blind Method
keywords: Acceptability; Cardiac surgery; Critical care; Feasibility; Hand massage therapy