La Comunicazione infermiere-paziente: il valore del contatto fisico nell’Unità di Terapia Intensiva. Una revisione narrativa

Elisa La Malfa; Alessia Muraro; Salvatore Canale

doi:10.54103/dn/28859

Authors

Elisa La Malfa Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy https://orcid.org/0009-0009-3166-0187
Alessia Muraro Surgical Ward, ULSS 2 Marca Trevigiana – Montebelluno Hospital, Treviso, Italy https://orcid.org/0009-0004-1614-6060
Salvatore Canale Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and Trauma Center , ARNAS Ospedale Civico-Di Cristina, Palermo, Italy https://orcid.org/0009-0008-2972-7605

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.54103/dn/28859

Keywords:

Comunicazione, Tocco, Terapia Intensiva, Assistenza infermieristica, Relazione di cura

Abstract

Background: The intensive care unit (ICU) is a technologically advanced environment where effective communication with patients is often compromised by invasive devices—most notably tracheal intubation—and altered levels of consciousness frequently limit verbal interaction. In this context, the implementation of non-verbal communication strategies, particularly therapeutic touch, acquires clinical relevance.

Objective: To explore the significance of touch as a nursing intervention in ICU settings and to describe its perceived effects on critically ill patients.

Materials and Methods: A narrative literature review was conducted using the MEDLINE and CINAHL databases. Inclusion criteria comprised articles published in English within the last ten years and available in full text. Following a systematic search and selection process, sixteen studies were included in the analysis.

Results: Touch emerges as a valuable therapeutic tool employed by ICU nurses to fulfill multiple functions: providing emotional support, conveying comfort and reassurance, instilling hope and strength, and reinforcing the humanization of care. This form of communication reaffirms the patient's dignity and personhood within a highly medicalized environment. However, the application of touch must consider potential barriers such as the presence of technological equipment, infection control protocols, and staff workload. Additionally, individual patient factors—such as cultural background and personal preferences—must be respected. Despite these limitations, touch has demonstrated beneficial effects including reduced pain, anxiety, and agitation, as well as favourable physiological responses such as decreased heart rate and blood pressure.

Conclusions: Integrating therapeutic touch into routine nursing practice in the ICU may enhance patient experiences and contribute to holistic, person-centred care.

Keywords: Communication, Touch, Intensive Care Unit, Nursing care, Therapeutic relationship.

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