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.