Reiki for Hospice Patients and Their Caregivers: An In-Depth Qualitative Study of Experiences and Effects on Symptoms (S720)

Abstract

•Describe the current state of research regarding Reiki therapy for hospice and palliative care patients•Articulate the key findings of this qualitative exploratory study on Reiki in hospice patients and their caregivers.•Demonstrate an understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of this study. Reiki is a form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), based on biofield theory, which is increasingly being used in hospice and palliative care settings. Although small studies on Reiki in cancer patients and the elderly suggest an improvement in symptoms, few, if any, studies have been performed in the hospice setting. To explore in-depth the experiences of hospice patients receiving Reiki and caregivers. Design: An exploratory qualitative in-depth individual interview study. Participants/Setting: Hospice patients and their caregivers who have chosen to receive Reiki therapy through a New England hospice. Patients’ and caregivers’ interviews were supplemented with interviews of their Reiki providers. Institutional Review Board approval was obtained. Data collection: Individual semi-structured interviews, using an interview guide, were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Analysis: 2 researchers used the phenomenological approach to qualitative analysis to determine themes in the transcripts. Three major themes emerged: (1) Trust - plays an important role in both trying Reiki and experiencing benefits; (2) Sensations are felt in the body during Reiki – notable similarities in descriptions included somatic sensations, temperature changes and visual sensations; (3) Some symptoms are relieved– the most common was anxiety. Others include: pain, agitation, nausea, and insomnia. Participants’ description of sensations and symptoms appeared unrelated to how Reiki providers describe Reiki to clients. Participants reported no side effects. This exploratory study suggests that Reiki therapy may result in positive physical sensations and symptom relief in hospice patients and their caregivers, with no reported side effects. Further study is needed to better understand this phenomenon.