The Effect of Abdominal Massage Applied to Patients by Caregivers in Palliative Care Clinics on Gastrointestinal Symptoms

The aim of this study is to examine the effect of abdominal massage applied by caregivers to patients in palliative care clinics on gastrointestinal symptoms. Hypotheses H0a: Abdominal massage applied by caregivers to patients in palliative care clinics has no effect on gastrointestinal symptoms. H1a: Abdominal massage applied by caregivers to patients in palliative care clinics has an effect on gastrointestinal symptoms. In this study, the effect of abdominal massage applied to patients following abdominal massage training provided to caregivers in the intervention group will be evaluated by comparing the intervention group, which receives abdominal massage, with the control group, which receives routine care.

On the first day of the study, the aim, scope, and procedural steps were thoroughly explained to the patients and their caregivers in both groups, written informed consent was obtained, and baseline assessments were conducted. These assessments included the Individual Descriptive Characteristics Form, Barthel Index of Activities of Daily Living, Defecation Diary, Bristol Stool Form Scale, and the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale. Subsequently, caregivers in the intervention group received abdominal massage training, and the Abdominal Massage Training Manual prepared by the researchers was provided to support the correct application of the massage techniques. In the intervention group, patients received abdominal massage administered by their caregivers twice daily for 15 minutes between Days 2 and 7, and each application was recorded on the Abdominal Massage Application Follow-up Form. Patients in the control group continued to receive routine care during the same period. In both groups, Defecation Diary parameters and the Bristol Stool Form Scale were evaluated daily by the researcher between Days 2 and 7. At the end of Day 7, the Gastrointestinal Symptom Rating Scale was administered again, final assessments were completed, and the study was concluded.