The Effect of Reiki on Pain, Anxiety and Haemodynamic Parameters in Patients Receiving Mechanical Ventilator Support

Reiki application was performed by a responsible researcher who has a Level 3 (Reiki Master) certificate. To prevent contamination between patients and to provide a suitable environment during the intervention, a curtain-screen system was used in the intensive care unit, and patients were fitted with earplugs to provide a quiet environment during the procedure. During the treatment (total time 30 minutes) the Reiki practitioner gently placed his/her hands on or above the patient's head and eyes, upper body from neck to pelvic area, arms and legs (standard Reiki hand positions). The application was limited and performed once due to the rapid changes in intubation time, intensive care unit stay and hemodynamic stability.

n the placebo (sham Reiki) group, treatments were performed by sham practitioners (not involved in the study) who had no experience with energy work and did not believe in energy therapy. In order to ensure blinding during the sham application, the patients were given the same hand movements as the experimental group for the same duration. In order not to distract the patients during the application, the area was separated with a curtain and screen system and earplugs were used. The sham practitioner gently placed his hands on or above the patient's head and eyes, upper body from the neck to the pelvic area, arms and legs for 30 minutes. The application was simulated in a manner similar to standard Reiki hand positions.