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A remarkable study published a number of years ago showed how Healing Touch therapy may make a real difference for patients undergoing coronary artery bypass surgery. Patients who received this gentle, non-invasive therapy, were less anxious and went home sooner than the control groups, while creating cost savings for the hospital.
The study evaluated the impact of Healing Touch (HT) on 237 patients undergoing first-time elective coronary artery bypass surgery in this large metropolitan hospital. Patients were randomized into three groups: a control group receiving no intervention, a partial intervention group receiving visitors, and a Healing Touch intervention group (three Healing Touch treatments). While the study found no significant differences in pain medication usage, anti-emetic medication needs, or atrial fibrillation incidence, it revealed important benefits in two key areas: anxiety reduction and shortened hospital stays.
All patients in the Healing Touch group demonstrated greater decreases in anxiety scores compared to both the visitor and control groups. This anxiety reduction benefit was consistent across both inpatient and outpatient populations.
Additionally, outpatients receiving Healing Touch showed significantly shorter lengths of stay compared to the visitor and control groups. Patients in the Healing Touch group averaging just 6.2 days of hospitalization compared to 7.2 days for the control group and 7.3 days for the visitor group. With hospital costs averaging $2,000 per day per patient, the researchers stated that this would translate to roughly $500,000 in savings per year for the coronary artery bypass unit alone.
More importantly, it meant that patients could get back to their lives and loved ones faster, with a greater sense of well-being.
As we continue to seek ways to bring these therapies into greater use, it is worth taking a fresh look at research that demonstrates the value of how these therapies can enhance patient care and create a more healing environment for all.
Citation: Macintyre, B, et all. (2008) The efficacy of healing touch in coronary artery bypass surgery recovery: a randomized clinical trial. Altern Ther Health Med 2008 Jul-Aug;14(4):24-32.
