Metrics details. In addition to curative care, supportive care is beneficial in managing the anxiety symptoms common in patients in sterile hematology unit. We hypothesize that personal massage can help the patient, particularly in this isolated setting where physical contact is extremely limited. A single-center, randomized, unblinded controlled study in the sterile hematology unit of a French university hospital, validated by an ethics committee.
In the control group, anxiety was assessed before and after a minute quiet period. For each patient, the difference in the STAI-State score before and after each session or period was calculated, the primary endpoint was based on the average of these three differences. Each patient completed the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Questionnaire before the first session and after the last session.
Sixty-two patients were randomized. The improvement in self-esteem score was not significant. Peer Review reports. Many studies have been carried out on the considerable anxiety [ 1 ] frequently observed in patients undergoing cancer treatment, as well as the impact of treatment on the quality of life [ 2 ] of patients or on the subsequent development of depression [ 1 ] and Post-Traumatic Stress Symptoms [ 3 ]. The alteration of self-esteem, particularly during chemotherapy, leading to numerous physical changes, has also been reported [ 4 ] and need to be considered [ 5 ].
The recent diagnosis of a serious and progressive hematological disease leads the patient to rapid hospital care, due to the urgency of the treatment. Physical changes, especially during the first hospitalization, are often very significant alopecia, weight loss, paleness, muscle wasting, skin disorders, etc. In sterile hematology unit, isolation and, more particularly, the reduction in the number of sensations related to touch, constitute an even more singular context.
Everyday life and habits are totally modified sleeping habits, diet, physical activity, etc. Physical contact between the patient and their family is very rarely allowed. In this context of hospitalization in a protective environment, the sensations linked to the sense of touch that the patient experiences primarily concern medical treatment, which is invasive for the most part re-dressing, blood tests, etc.
