HEALING TOUCH AS SELF-CARE FOR VETERANS WITH HYPERTENSION

Abstract

Problem and Significance: Stress has been implicated as one of the contributors to hypertension (HTN). There are 78 million Americans who suffer from hypertension, a key factor in the cause of cardiovascular diseases nationally and worldwide. One out of every three veterans is diagnosed with high blood pressure. Purpose: The purpose of this pilot study was to examine whether the use of self-care healing touch, can reduce stress, anxiety, and blood pressure in older veterans who are diagnosed with hypertension. PICOT Question: For veterans 50 years and above diagnosed with hypertension in a community setting, how does healing touch compare to usual care regarding the effect on veteran's stress, anxiety and blood pressure? Design: The design was a pre-intervention, post-intervention randomized two-group experimental study. Outcome measures included self-reported stress using the Daily Stress Inventory and anxiety measured using the Geriatric Anxiety Inventory. The intervention group received coaching about self-care healing touch, while the control group received usual care. Implications for Nursing Practice: This study adds to the knowledge base of non-pharmacological methods that are used for self--care management to decrease stress and anxiety for veterans diagnosed with hypertension, thus promoting blood pressure and stress and anxiety reduction outcomes.