Impact of Massage Therapy on the Quality of Life of Hospice Patients

As an integrative therapy, there is growing evidence that massage therapy can be an effective
therapeutic tool for relief of pain and non-pain symptoms in hospice and palliative care
patients. Massage therapy can provide comfort, relaxation, and improve quality of life for
patients. The primary aim of the study is to gather data on the effects of complementary
massage therapy on patient's symptoms and quality of life. The study goal is to improve
patient symptoms of pain, anxiety, depression, and quality of life through the use of massage
therapy provided to hospice patients. Questionnaires would be utilized before and after each
massage intervention and would quantify symptom and quality of life levels.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Age 18 years or older

2. Clinically determined by hospice staff to be appropriate for massage therapy (ESAS-r
scores of 5 or greater on pain, depression, anxiety, or best well-being)

3. Place of residence within 30 minutes of downtown Rochester

4. Patient or caregiver must be able to participate in brief interviews and complete
questionnaires (verbally or physically)

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Patients ineligible for massage therapy due to complexity of medical care including
complex wound and multiple drains