The use of touch in developing a therapeutic relationship

Stonehouse, DP

Abstract

The use of touch within health and social care is the focus of this article. The different types
of touch will first be defined, before moving on to examine the many benefits that expressive
touch can bring to the health and social care role and to developing a supportive therapeutic
relationship between the support worker and their patient. Relevant sections of the Code of Conduct for Healthcare Support Workers and Adult Social Care Workers in England (Skills for
Care and Skills for Health, 2013) will be highlighted throughout. The important aspects of communication, compassion and empathy will be explored. Touch is not always appropriate or
welcomed by the patient, and the support worker must take into account preferences, cultural needs and beliefs while also gaining consent.

Citation

Stonehouse, D. (2017). The use of touch in developing a therapeutic relationship. British Journal of Healthcare Assistants, 11(1), 15-17. https://doi.org/10.12968/bjha.2017.11.1.15

• Journal Article Type: Article
• Acceptance Date: Dec 12, 2016
• Online Publication Date: Jan 12, 2017
• Publication Date: Jan 12, 2017
• Deposit Date: Apr 6, 2018
• Publicly Available Date: Apr 6, 2018
• Journal: British Journal of Healthcare Assistants
• Print ISSN: 1753-1586
• Electronic ISSN: 2052-4420
• Publisher: MA Healthcare
• Volume: 11
• Issue: 1
• Pages: 15-17
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.12968/bjha.2017.11.1.15
• Publisher URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.12968/bjha.2017.11.1.15
• Related Public URLs: https://www.magonlinelibrary.com/toc/bjha/current