Beröringens makt : En litteraturöversikt om hur vårdpersonal använder sig av beröring i omvårdnaden

Sammanfattning: Background: Human interaction by touch plays a central role for our health and well being throughout life. When people touch each other our bodies release a hormone called oxytocin into the bloodstream, this gives the body a soothing effect. Touching on the other hand can be perceived as unpleasant if it is not in accordance with the patient’s norm or wishes. From biblical times and through to today human touch plays a central part of nursing. The way we touch each other is not always something that comes naturally, habits of touching depends largely on one´s cultural background, upbringing and experiences. Aim: The aim of this study was to describe how health professional’s uses touch in daily care. Method: The authors have made a literature review. Ten research papers of both qualitative and quantitative design have been gathered via database searches. Results: The result showed that touching is an inevitable part of nursing. Health professionals use touch to build relationships and support verbal communication with the patient. The result also showed that touching made patients feel more secure and it also gave health professionals pride. Discussions: The results were discussed in relation to the life-world theory according to Dahlberg and Segesten. The main focus of discussion was: how the relationship between health professionals and the patient is affected by the way touch is used, touch is also used to create positive feelings and health professionals themselves feel strengthened by using touch.