Using the M technique as therapy for patients at the end of life: two case studies

Abstract

Complementary therapies are increasingly used in palliative and end-of-life care, particularly in hospice settings. Most of these interventions use touch as a medium of therapy, which has been shown to reduce anxiety and pain perception, induce relaxation, and promote comfort and wellbeing. Traditionally, these touch therapies have been administered mainly by complementary therapists and only after many months of training. This article reflects on the potential for palliative care nurses in a hospice setting to support patients with agitation and distress at the end of life by using the M technique. This simple method of structured touch can be learnt in two days and applied in any setting. It is particularly useful for end-of-life patients with pain and fragile skin tissue, because the pressure applied can be adjusted to meet the individual patient's needs while still being beneficial.

Abordaje de los sintomas neurológicosdesde la perspectiva de los cuidados paliativos

“…Hasta la fecha, la mayoría de las investigaciones sobre los síntomas se han dirigido hacia el estudio de un solo síntoma, como el dolor o la fatiga, o hacia la evaluación de los síntomas asociados. Es por ello que se deben aplicar enfoques que mejoren la comprensión de los síntomas, la gestión y la proporción de instrucciones que permitan seleccionar intervenciones clínicas, informar la investigación y unir una serie de síntomas asociados con una variedad de enfermedades y afecciones, para llegar a la integración de la ciencia desde los diferentes campos 60 .…”

“…La acupuntura redujo efectivamente los síntomas como la depresión y la ansiedad y mejoró las sensaciones de bienestar. Asimismo, Roberts y Campbell 60 , reflexionan sobre el potencial de las enfermeras de cuidados paliativos en un entorno de hospicio para apoyar a los pacientes con agitación y angustia al final de la vida mediante el uso de la técnica M, la cual se puede aprender en dos días, puede aplicarse en cualquier entorno y es particularmente útil para pacientes al final de la vida con dolor y tejido cutáneo frágil.…”

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

“…The CAM therapies can enhance self-awareness, increase relaxation, and ease symptom management 4 of pain, dyspnea, and anxiety 16 and may help address unmet needs in palliative and EOLC. The reports of patient with cancer indicate that CAM therapies provide improved QOL and coping skills and a greater sense of control of discomfort due to illness or treatments.…”

“…Interpersonal touch has been found to have physiological and psychological effects, influencing neuroendocrine functioning and reducing stress, pain, 6 and ultimately promoting comfort and well-being. 4 Therapeutic Touch (TT), Healing Touch (HT), Reiki, and other CAM modalities, which involve touch, may allow nurses to further improve EOL experiences for patients and their families, in a cost-effective way, whether administered directly or indirectly through caregiver education.…”

“…3 For this reason, there has been wide acceptance of these therapies within the realm of end-of-life care (EOLC), which includes both hospice and palliative care. 4…”