The Effect of Complementary Medicine (CAM) Treatments on Common Symptoms in Hospitalized Patients

Reflexology intervention involved a 15-minute treatment in the induction room, provided by three reflexologists from the hospital staff. The reflexology protocol was developed through a Delphi method.

Sham reflexology intervention were given by two complementary medicine practitioners with knowledge in touch therapy (shiatsu) and included 15 minutes of gentle, nonspecific foot massage. Similarly to the true reflexology protocol, the protocol for this treatment was also determined in a consensus-reaching process among a group of four experienced reflexologists.