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Abstract

This project explores the concepts of the touch that are used in the care of people with complex needs, as held by staff in day care settings. It was undertaken to establish a baseline before the development of a local interactive training package for staff in these units. Three main themes about touch in care emerged from analysis of the data from five staff focus groups. These themes were experience of touch; the influence of service users on staff’s behaviours; and staff’s concerns about touch. Analysis of the themes also suggested that the culture of the use of touch may be different between day service units within the same locality.

Keywords

complex needs concerns experiences influences staff consultation touch in care

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Learning about Touch

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