87 Background: Reiki is a complementary therapy that has been reported to decrease symptoms of stress and promote relaxation. Standards for administrating Reiki have not been established. Additionally, patients with advanced cancer and their family caregivers (FCGs) encounter challenges during the illness experience that preclude them from participating in stress reducing therapies offered outside the home. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and fidelity of an “at-home” reiki intervention performed by the FCG of patients with cancer. Methods: Twelve cancer patients and their FCGs were recruited from oncology outpatient facilities in the Greater Cleveland area. A certified Reiki educator provided two 4-hour courses for the FCGs to learn the basics and practice. To develop and promote intervention fidelity, the FCG maintained a daily diary recording frequency, interval, time of day, and position of Reiki practice. The Reiki educator called the FCG weekly to monitor usage, protocol adherence (60-minutues daily practice for three weeks) and answer questions. Satisfaction with the intervention was measured on completion of the study. Results: Compliance to the study protocol was high in this sample. The majority of day-to-day practice episodes (110/126; 87%) were delivered and completed by FCGs over a three week period. Diary entries indicated FCGs were prone to practice Reiki 45 minutes (72%) per day, once daily (79-93%), in a lying position (82%) and in the evening (61%). Deterioration in a patients’ health was most frequently cited for lack of adherence to daily Reiki practice. A few patients and FCGs reported practice time duration as a barrier. Both patients and FCGs reported a high satisfaction with the Reiki intervention. Follow-up phone calls by a Reiki educator were described as supportive by the FCGs. Conclusions: At-home Reiki was reported as feasible with high compliance and satisfaction to the study protocol. Findings will inform protocol refinement to address the limitations of Reiki practice barriers. This study provides initial support for the administration of an “at home” Reiki intervention in a larger sample to further validate fidelity criteria and treatment effects.
Family caregivers of Palliative Cancer Patients at Home: The puzzle of Pain Management
