Using a Delphi consensus process to develop a structured reflexology treatment protocol to reduce preoperative anxiety

Authors: Attias Samuel, Schiff Elad, Arnon Zahi, Nae Bluma, Somri Mostafa, Avneri Ofri, Gross Yael, Boker Lital KeinanJournal: Complementary therapies in clinical practicePublished: May 1, 2019DOI: 10.1016/j.ctcp.2019.03.016

Q2 JournalSJR: 0.65h-index: 72SCImago

Preliminary EvidenceQualitative

Anxiety

In Plain Language: reflexology for anxiety, explained

Researchers used a Delphi consensus process—where experts are surveyed multiple rounds to reach agreement—to develop a standardized reflexology protocol for reducing anxiety before surgery. The study created a structured treatment guideline based on expert input rather than testing the protocol's effectiveness on patients.

Key Findings: what this qualitative study found about anxiety

✓A Delphi consensus process was successfully used to develop a standardized reflexology treatment protocol for reducing preoperative anxiety among expert practitioners.
✓The research produced a structured treatment guideline based on expert consensus rather than empirical testing on patient populations.
✓The study established a methodology for creating evidence-based reflexology protocols through multi-round expert surveys aimed at achieving professional agreement.

What This Means for You

While this research helps establish how reflexology should be delivered for preoperative anxiety, it doesn't yet prove the treatment works—consider it a promising first step toward evidence-based reflexology care.

What This Means for Practitioners

This study provides a validated, consensus-based framework for delivering reflexology to anxious preoperative patients, which can help standardize your practice and strengthen your professional credibility.

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Reflexology for anxiety: common questions

Does reflexology help with anxiety?

What did this study find?

A Delphi consensus process was successfully used to develop a standardized reflexology treatment protocol for reducing preoperative anxiety among expert practitioners. The research produced a structured treatment guideline based on expert consensus rather than empirical testing on patient populations. The study established a methodology for creating evidence-based reflexology protocols through multi-round expert surveys aimed at achieving professional agreement.

How strong is this evidence?

This is a qualitative study and we rate its evidence preliminary. It was published in Complementary therapies in clinical practice, a Q2 journal. Reflexology is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical treatment.