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A nonrandomised pilot study to examine the feasibility and acceptability of reflexology in patients undergoing hospital‐based haemodialysis (solitude study)
Author(s) -
Matthews Michael,
Carswell Claire,
Redmond Avril,
Bolton Stephanie,
Murphy Kim,
Mullan Robert,
McAneney Helen,
McKeaveney Clare,
Noble Helen
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
journal of renal care
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.381
H-Index - 27
eISSN - 1755-6686
pISSN - 1755-6678
DOI - 10.1111/jorc.12372
Subject(s) - medicine , physical therapy , reflexology , quality of life (healthcare) , nausea , pittsburgh sleep quality index , intervention (counseling) , sleep quality , nursing , alternative medicine , massage , psychiatry , cognition , pathology
Background Patients with end‐stage kidney disease, receiving haemodialysis can experience complications—hypotension, headache, muscle cramp, chest pain, nausea and vomiting. Patients who experience all or some of these symptoms will often report reduced health‐related quality of life (HRQOL) and poor sleep quality, which may lead to increased morbidity and mortality. Objective The objective of this pilot study is to evaluate the feasibility of a larger randomised controlled trial to determine the effect of foot reflexology on a cohort of patients undergoing hospital‐based haemodialysis. Design A nonrandomised pilot study using a multimethod approach. Participants Twenty patients undergoing hospital‐based haemodialysis treatment. Measurements HRQOL and quality of sleep were measured using the SF‐12 Health Survey and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Semi‐structured interviews were completed with 10 patients, exploring their experiences, opinions and perceptions of the intervention. Results There was an increase in the mean scores examining the total physical health and mental health components of the SF‐12. All corresponding p values were statistically significant following the intervention. The mean total sleep score postintervention signified positive changes in sleep quality, with the corresponding p values being statistically significant. The study established the feasibility of the intervention and the benefits for patients undergoing haemodialysis. Conclusion This pilot study demonstrated the possibility of recruiting and retaining patients undergoing haemodialysis to a reflexology study. The study did not impact the haemodialysis routine and was positively received. The intervention showed statistically significant improvements in patients' HRQOL and sleep quality.