Descriptor 3: Encouraging touch
Encouraging family members to hold the critically ill patient’s hand was identified by
nurses as one valuable way of providing comfort to them. Nurses found that touch makes
the patients feel that they are valued and make them aware of their family members’ presence
at the bedside. Touch is not limited to the family members. Nurses should also try to make
the patient feel that they are not alone by holding their hand while at the same time interacting
and talking to them. A nurse spoke about encouraging touch when she said: