Investigation of standard care versus sham Reiki placebo versus actual Reiki therapy to enhance comfort and well-being in a chemotherapy infusion center.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To determine whether provision of Reiki therapy during outpatient chemotherapy is associated with increased comfort and well-being. DESIGN Double-blind, randomized clinical controlled trial. SETTING Outpatient chemotherapy center. SAMPLE 189 participants were randomized to actual Reiki, sham Reiki placebo, or standard care. METHODS Patients receiving chemotherapy were randomly placed into one of three groups. Patients received either standard care, a placebo, or an actual Reiki therapy treatment. A demographic tool and pre- and post-tests were given before and after chemotherapy infusion. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES Reiki therapy, sham Reiki placebo therapy, standard care, and self-reported levels of comfort and well-being pre- and postintervention. FINDINGS Although Reiki therapy was statistically significant in raising the comfort and well-being of patients post-therapy, the sham Reiki placebo also was statistically significant. Patients in the standard care group did not experience changes in comfort and well-being during their infusion session. CONCLUSIONS The findings indicate that the presence of an RN providing one-on-one support during chemotherapy was influential in raising comfort and well-being levels, with or without an attempted healing energy field. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING An attempt by clinic nurses to provide more designated one-to-one presence and support for patients while receiving their chemotherapy infusions could increase patient comfort and well-being.