Reflexology audit: patient satisfaction, impact on quality of life and availability in Scottish hospices
Limited EvidenceIn Plain Language: reflexology for cancer pain, explained
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.
Key Findings: what this observational study found about cancer pain
- ✓Cancer patients who received reflexology reported improved quality of life through reduction in both physical and emotional symptoms.
- ✓Patient satisfaction with reflexology services was high among the 20 cancer patients audited in Scottish hospices.
- ✓Less than half of Scottish hospices provided reflexology services, indicating variable availability of this complementary therapy.
What This Means for You
Cancer patients in this small study found reflexology helpful for reducing symptoms and improving wellbeing, but this is preliminary evidence from a small group without a comparison group, so more research is needed before drawing firm conclusions.
What This Means for Practitioners
Document patient outcomes systematically and advocate for reflexology availability in hospices, as this audit suggests demand exists and patients report meaningful benefits, though broader evidence is still needed.
Study Design: how this observational study was run
Reflexology for cancer pain: common questions
Does reflexology help with cancer pain?
Cancer patients in this small study found reflexology helpful for reducing symptoms and improving wellbeing, but this is preliminary evidence from a small group without a comparison group, so more research is needed before drawing firm conclusions.
What did this study find?
Cancer patients who received reflexology reported improved quality of life through reduction in both physical and emotional symptoms. Patient satisfaction with reflexology services was high among the 20 cancer patients audited in Scottish hospices. Less than half of Scottish hospices provided reflexology services, indicating variable availability of this complementary therapy.
How strong is this evidence?
This is a observational study and we rate its evidence limited. It covers 20 participants. It was published in International journal of palliative nursing, a Q1 journal. Reflexology is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical treatment.
Related Research
Complementary therapy in practice
Engaging Patients in Research That Involves Meditation: Religious Concerns and Nursing Implications
Improving Quality of Life in The Constipated Older Person: Reflexology or Abdominal Massage? A Two-Group, Randomized Comparative Trial
Mind-Body Interventions for People With Cancer: Evidence, Innovation, and Implementation
Therapeutic Massage for Cancer Survivors: An Umbrella Review
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