Biofield Therapies for Symptom Management in Palliative and End-of-Life Care

Abstract

Terminally ill patients experience negative symptoms at end of life (EOL) that hinder well-being and quality of life (QOL). Current intervention strategies are not always effective or feasible. A focused literature review to evaluate the use of biofield therapies (ie, Therapeutic Touch, Healing Touch, and Reiki) to manage the symptoms in EOL revealed no studies on the use these therapies, specifically in this population. Evidence from studies on relevant populations (patients with cancer, elderly patients, and patients experiencing chronic pain), which addressed the outcomes relevant to palliative and EOL care (EOLC; pain levels, changes in psychological symptoms, well-being, and QOL), supports the use of biofield therapies in relieving pain, improving QOL and well-being, and reducing psychological symptoms of stress. Further research to assess the use of biofield therapies in EOLC is clearly needed.

Clinical Studies of Biofield Therapies: Summary, Methodological Challenges, and Recommendations

“… 46 In addition, there is need for investigation of biofield therapies in palliative care, where these therapies are often delivered. 47 …”

“…46 In addition, there is need for investigation of biofield therapies in palliative care, where these therapies are often delivered. 47 Several reviews since the 2010 best evidence synthesis of Jain and Mills have examined clinical research based on the biofield modality. 14,15,19 Overall, these reviews point to the same general conclusions: there is promising but limited evidence based on relatively few studies with insufficient sample sizes as well as methodological issues that could be improved to better understand the effects of biofield therapies in a clinical context.…”

Work Environment Facilitators to the Availability of Complementary and Alternative Therapies in Perinatal Hospices

“…7, 8, 9, 10, 11 Our findings suggest that CAM therapies are often employed as appropriate adjuncts with pharmaceuticals. 14, 15, 16, 17, 13, 18, 19 In addition, CAM therapies may promote comfort and wholeness for both the infant and the family at end of life. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 As additional complementary and alternative therapies gain acceptance in the medical community, further data will be need to examine the use of these therapies in perinatal hospice and palliative care.…”

“…7, 8, 10, 11 These therapies consist of a group of non-pharmacological, non-invasive, holistic interventions that are usually provided by members of the interdisciplinary team or by trained volunteers. 12, 6 The most common CAM therapies available by hospices are massage, acupuncture, music therapy, guided imagery, energy healing, aromatherapy, and pet therapy, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 13 with the goals of relieving pain and anxiety 14, 15, 16, 17, 13, 18, 19 and promoting comfort and wholeness. 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 …”

Complementary therapies for symptom management in cancer patients

“…[ 157 159 163 164 165 ] Pedro et al .,[ 166 ] concluded that there is some evidence to support the efficacy of ET for reducing pain and fatigue and promoting relaxation in cancer patients. Furthermore, a review of 30 studies by Henneghan and Schnyer[ 167 ] supported the use of ET for reducing pain and stress, and enhancing QOL in patients needing PC at end-of-life. Similar positive effect of therapeutic touch on symptom management in cancer patients has been reported by Tabatabaee et al .,[ 168 ] in their review of six studies.…”