Background

Touch is a part of life, something that occurs constantly in the contact between oneself and things or other people. It can be used by the nurse in the nursing care, in regard to create an equal relationship and to confirm and put the patient at the center.

Aim

This study's aim was to illuminate the meaning of touch for patients in nursing care.

Method

Literature review was chosen as the method for this study, to illuminate existing knowledge of the meaning of touch for patients in nursing care. Both qualitative and quantitative articles were used in this review.

Results

The result consists of twelve articles and is presented in three main themes which are alleviate suffering, the non-verbal communication between patient and nurse, and caring relationship between patient and nurse.

Conclusion

Touch as nursing care intervention may seem soothing to the patient's perceived pain and anxiety. The touch offers an opportunity for the patient and the nurse to create togetherness, it conveys comfort and support to the patient, who also feels the nurse's presence through it.