Sammanfattning
This study describes the phenomenon of caring touch from the patients' perspective in an
anthroposophic clinical context where caring touch is often used to promote health and alleviate
suffering. The aim of the study was to explore and phenomenologically describe the phenomenon of
caring touch from the patients' perspectives. The study has been carried out with a Reflective
Lifeworld Research approach in order to understand and describe human existential phenomena. Ten
female patients were interviewed in an anthroposophic clinic in Sweden. The findings show how
caring touch has multifaceted meanings and makes the patients' feel present and anchored in a
meaningful context. The patients' feel that they are seen, accepted and confirmed. Furthermore, touch
creates a caring space where the patients become receptive for care and has the power to alleviate
the patients' suffering, as well as to frighten and cause or worsen the suffering. In order to take
advantage of the caring potential, the patient needs to be invited to a respectful and sensitive form of
touch. An interpersonal flexible space is necessary where the touch can be effective, and where a
dynamic interplay can develop. In conclusion, caring touch is an opportunity for carers to support
well-being and health. The carers need to approach their patients in both a sensitive and reflective
way. A caring science perspective can serve as a help to further understand touch as a unique caring
act.