Active not recruitingNAINTERVENTIONAL

Evaluation of the Efficiency of Touch Massage on the Quality of Life at Work of Nursing Staff Working in a Cancer Center. (Pause "Toucher Massage (TM)")

Working in a cancer center can be very demanding, and this study aims to see if short touch massage breaks can make a positive difference for the healthcare staff. The main goal is to find out if these massages truly help improve their daily lives, both mentally and physically. Researchers will look at how well touch massages can reduce burnout, anxiety, and muscle aches. They'll compare a group of staff who get massage breaks with a group who don't. The study hopes to prove what many already believe: that these simple breaks can be very helpful for the dedicated people caring for cancer patients.

At a glance

Status

Active not recruiting

Phase

Sponsor

Institut Cancerologie de l'Ouest

Enrolment target

Start

16 May 2024

Estimated completion

01 Jul 2025

Quality of Life at Work Paramedical Professionals Touch Massage Cancer Center

What is this study about?

This study is investigating whether short, gentle touch massage breaks can really make a difference for nurses and other healthcare professionals working in cancer centers. It's often thought that these kinds of breaks are good for people, but researchers want to see if they can scientifically prove it.

The main aim is to understand if these massages can help with common challenges faced by staff, such as feeling burnt out, anxious, or experiencing muscle pain. The study will also look at how these breaks affect their general mood and well-being at work. If the study shows that touch massages are effective, it could lead to more support for healthcare workers in demanding environments.

To find this out, two groups of staff will be compared. One group will regularly receive a short touch massage, and the other group will not. Everyone in both groups will answer questions about their feelings and physical health at different points during the study, so researchers can see if there are any changes linked to the massages.

Key takeaways

Study explores if touch massage helps cancer care staff.
Aims to reduce burnout, anxiety, and muscle pain.
Compares staff with and without regular massage breaks.
Involves weekly 15-minute massages for six weeks for one group.
Participants complete questionnaires over several months.
Goals are to improve well-being and working life.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be a nurse or nursing assistant working in specific parts of the Institut de Cancérologie de l'Ouest (ICO), like medical oncology, surgical oncology, day clinic, or the early phase unit. You also need to have worked at the ICO for at least nine months.

However, you won't be able to join if you've already had more than one touch or massage session at the ICO in the last six months. Also, if you are more than four months pregnant, or have had bone or joint surgery in the last three months, you won't be eligible. Finally, if early tests show you are already experiencing high levels of burnout, which doctors measure with a special questionnaire, you won't be able to take part.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you a nurse or nursing assistant at ICO in specific departments?
Have you worked at ICO for at least 9 months?
Have you had less than two touch/massage sessions at ICO in the last 6 months?
Are you less than 4 months pregnant (or not pregnant)?
Have you not had bone or joint surgery in the last 3 months?
Do you not have a high level of burnout as measured by the study's initial assessment?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you join the study, you'll be placed into one of two groups. If you're in the massage group, you'll receive one 15-minute touch massage session each week for six weeks. Both groups will complete questionnaires at the start of the study, after six weeks, and then again at three and six months after the main study period. These questionnaires will ask about your well-being, stress levels, and any muscle pain you might have. You won't take any medication as part of this study.

Potential risks and benefits

Participating in this study might offer potential benefits if the touch massages prove to reduce stress, anxiety, or muscle pains, improving your overall well-being at work. There are very few known risks associated with gentle touch massage, but you should always inform the massage therapist if you experience any discomfort. You are free to withdraw from the study at any time, for any reason, without it affecting your job or care.

Locations (1)

Institut de Cancérologie de l'Ouest
Verified postcode
Saint-Herblain, France

Common questions

What is 'touch massage'?

It's a gentle, short massage focused on easing tension and promoting relaxation, often without needing to remove clothing or use oils.

Why are only staff at a cancer center being studied?

Working in a cancer center can be particularly stressful, so researchers want to see if this specific group can benefit from such interventions.

Will I know if I'm getting massages or not?

Yes, you will know if you are in the group receiving massages or the group that completes questionnaires without massages.

How long will the study questionnaires take?

The questionnaires are designed to be completed efficiently, but the exact time will be explained when you're asked to fill them out.

Will my answers to the questionnaires be kept private?

Yes, all your responses will be kept confidential and your privacy will be protected throughout the study.