TY  -  JOUR
AU  -  Sisca, Elena Silvia
AU  -  Gusella, Nausika
AU  -  Pagani, Greta Chiara
AU  -  Crespi, Lucia
AU  -  Maradini, Deborah
AU  -  Pizzuto, Massimo
AU  -  Rizzi, Franco
T1  -  The importance of touch in palliative care. 
Foot reflexology in hospice
PY  -  2025
Y1  -  2025-07-01
DO  -  10.1726/4582.45896
JO  -  Rivista Italiana di Cure Palliative
JA  -  Riv It Cure Palliative
VL  -  27
IS  -  3
SP  -  163
EP  -  169
PB  -  Il Pensiero Scientifico Editore
SN  -  2532-9790
Y2  -  2026/06/26
UR  -  http://dx.doi.org/10.1726/4582.45896
N2  -  Summary. Introduction. Palliative care aims to improve the quality of life for terminally ill patients by alleviating physical and emotional discomfort through a combination of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatments. Among the range of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) interventions, foot reflexology (FR) has gained attention for its potential benefits in enhancing well-being and relieving symptoms in end-of-life care. This study aims to assess the effects of FR on terminally ill patients and their caregivers in a Palliative Care Unit (PCU) in northern Italy. Specifically, the study explores patient and caregiver satisfaction with FR, the perceived effects on relaxation, and the potential role of reflexology in alleviating physical and emotional distress in end-of-life care.
Methods. This exploratory research was conducted between January 2022 and August 2024 in a hospice care unit. A total of 193 patients and 65 caregivers participated in the study. FR sessions were conducted twice a week by a trained reflexologist, with each session lasting approximately 30 minutes. Results. Over the study period, a total of 696 FR treatments were administered, with 613 sessions for patients and 83 sessions for caregivers. The results showed that a significant majority of both patients (96.4%) and caregivers (85.4%) reported high levels of satisfaction and relaxation following the treatment. Most patients (74.0%) described feeling “relaxed,” and 13.2% felt “sleepy and relaxed,” highlighting the calming effects of the therapy. Notably, 96.4% of patients and 85.4% of caregivers expressed interest in receiving repeat sessions, emphasizing the therapy’s appeal and its positive impact on emotional comfort. Conclusion. Foot reflexology (FR) is shown to be an effective and well-received complementary therapy in palliative care, providing patients and caregivers with relaxation and emotional comfort. While more research is needed to evaluate its long-term effects on physical and psychological outcomes, this study supports the integration of reflexology into hospice care as a non-pharmacological intervention that can improve the quality of life for terminally ill patients and their families. Future research should explore how reflexology can complement traditional medical treatments, offering a holistic approach to end-of-life care.
ER  -