Thank you for your article on hand massage in the latest edition of the Journal of Hospice and Palliative Nursing.

I especially appreciated the Appendix A, Protocol for Hand Massage. On April 17, the Hospice of Fayette County offered a training day for volunteers. They were treated to a hand massage. In the process, they were taught techniques to use, when appropriate, with patients who are willing to accept this type of therapy.

Thank you for affirming our belief that touch is a powerful tool in patient care. As the Coordinator of Volunteer Services, it is not my job to send RNs out to alleviate pain. But it is my job to send in the volunteers to promote the palliation the nursing staff has instituted in the plan of care. It is truly through a team approach the patient is best served.

Sincerely,

Michele K. McMurray

Coordinator of Volunteer Services, Hospice of Fayette County, 222 North Oakland Avenue, PO Box 849, Washington, OH 43160

Your contributions to Panorama (news, calendar items, products for review) are welcome. Send them to Journal of Hospice and Palliative Nursing Editorial Office 10A Beach Street Portland, ME 04101 fax 207-553-7751 e-mail: [email protected]