TT Background and trends

• 1991 the College of Nurses of Ontario (CNO) acknowledged a role for complementary therapies which includes TT, in nursing care.

• 2002 The Complementary Therapies Nurses Interest Group (CTNIG) recognized under the umbrella of the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario (RNAO)

• The Hospice Association of Ontario  (HAO) used the standards and practices of the Therapeutic Touch Network of Ontario (TTNO) as a model.

• TT is now used in many hospitals, LTC facilities, and hospices. Policies have been developed for its use on an individual facility basis. 

 

Examples include:​

• Michael Garron Hospital in Toronto, has a Therapeutic Touch program including practitioner screening and preceptorship.

• The Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto has specific TT Policy in place for nurses and interested staff.

• TT care in hospice care is widespread in Ontario

 

Applications and Areas of Use

For its effectiveness in reducing anxiety and inducing relaxation, improving pain management, sleep, fostering a sense of well-being, and in reducing the sense of isolation in areas of patient care including:

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• Cancer Care

• Trauma units

• Emergency departments

• Medical and surgical unites – also been successfully intra-operatively

• End of life care

• Labour and birth

• Neonatal care

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Emerging Models of care

• Patient centered, whole person caring during acute care

• Rehabilitation focus

• Ambulatory care

• Community Outreach

• Prevention, healthy living and survivorship

• Self-care and self- empowerment

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