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  • “I am Here”—The Importance ...
    Tengblad, Jessica; Airosa, Fanny; Karlsson, Liza; Rosenqvist, Johanna; Elmqvist, Carina; Karlsson, Ann-Christin; Henricson, Maria

    Journal of holistic nursing, 2023
    Journal Article

    Purpose: The purpose of the study was to illuminate the experience of caring touch in intensive care from the perspectives of patients, next-of-kin, and healthcare professionals. Design and Method: This study was explorative, and data were collected through qualitative observations ( n = 9) with subsequent interviews ( n = 27) at two general intensive care units. An inductive approach was embraced to be open-minded to the participants’ experiences. Findings: The results are presented in one generic category—caring touch creates presence—which generated five subcategories: to touch and be touched with respect, touch as guidance and communication, touch causes suffering, touch creates compassion, and touch creates security. Conclusion: When the ability to communicate with words is lost, it is body language that reveals what a person is trying to express. Nurses create a way of being present with the patients by touching them, to communicate I am here for you. Caring touch is a tool to show compassion and respect and to protect the integrity of the lived body. The caring touch is soothing and comforting for the patient and next-of-kin and creates security. It also helps to awaken the motivation to get healthy, which is needed in an environment that is foreign.