Optimizing the Role of Cadres in Home Care Palliative Care with Touch Therapy / Effleurage

FIKES UPNVJ - In an effort to improve the quality of life of patients undergoing palliative care at home, the role of health cadres is very important. Various efforts have been developed including touch therapy or effleurage which has been proven to provide comfort, reduce pain, and improve the emotional well-being of patients. Effleurage massage therapy is one of the therapies given by giving a gentle massage to the back to the buttocks, heels, knees, and elbows of patients who are at risk of developing pressure ulcers to increase blood circulation in the massaged area so that by increasing blood circulation and oxygen to the skin tissue reduces pressure ulcers. Effleurage massage is a massage technique with a rubbing motion. Effleurage massage has the effect of improving blood circulation, so that the oxygen supply can be met to prevent pressure ulcers (Adevia et al., 2022). By doing effleurage massage, it can help reduce the risk of pressure ulcers due to prolonged bed rest due to chronic diseases that cause the elderly to experience mobility disorders.

On Wednesday, January 22, 2025, a Community Service activity was held with the theme "Optimizing the Role of Cadres in Palliative Care Home Care Touch Therapy / Effleurage Massage" This activity was carried out offline at Posbindu Dahlia Senja, Limo Village, Limo District, Depok City. The number of participants who attended was 11 cadres and 11 elderly people. This community service activity aims to increase the understanding of cadres and elderly people regarding palliative care home care touch therapy / effleurage, especially cadres who will implement it directly to local residents.

The event began with filling out participant registration and a health check. followed by filling out the pre-test and initial attendance. First, the event was opened by the MC from the Community Service activity. Then the reading of the rules and rundown of the event and the playing of the song Indonesia Raya and the National Defense March. Continued with remarks by the Chairperson of the Community Service Implementation, Chairperson of Posbindu Dahlia Senja, namely Mrs. Hj. Ratna.

After the welcoming remarks, the event continued with a presentation of material and a question and answer session. Presentation of material 1 by NS Chandra Tri Wahyudi, M.Kes., M.kep regarding the optimization of the role of cadres in palliative home care touch therapy / effleurage massage. Covering the definition of palliative home care, the goals and benefits of palliative home care, the role of cadres in palliative home care.

Then continued with the presentation of material by Ns Duma Lumban Tobing, M.Kep., Sp. Kep. J regarding the definition of effleurage massage, types of movements in effleurage, benefits of effleurage massage, indications and contraindications, tools and materials used, and preparation before massaging.

The next event, a demonstration of effleurage massage which will be guided by Ns Sang Ayu Made Adyani, M.Kep., Sp. Kep. Kom, Ns. Nourmayansa Vidya A, M.Kep., Sp.Kep.Kom, Risa Kusuma Anggreani, S.ST., M.Biomed consisting of Nursing lecturers and Physiotherapy lecturers and assisted by UPN “Veteran” Jakarta students. The cadres and elderly were directed to pair up and then during the demonstration practice, the cadres were taught the procedure of effleurage massage and directly practiced the massage on the elderly who were present using the tools and materials that had been provided.

Continued with the final documentation session, filling out the post-test, evaluation and final attendance. Before ending this event, the cadres and elderly were directed to fill out the Post-test which would be guided by students, and ended with a group photo session. As the closing of this event, the cadres were given a work pocket book and booklet as a reference for doing good and correct effleurage massage, while for the elderly who attended the event from beginning to end were given a booklet regarding effleurage massage therapy.

The event took place on time. Ns Chandra Tri Wahyudi, M. Kes., M.kep as the head of the community service said that the elderly and cadres were able to participate in this activity very well and enthusiastically in demonstrating the effleurage massage that had been taught. The messages and impressions felt by the participants of this activity, all said that "This activity is very useful in reducing pressure ulcers that occur due to prolonged bed rest." This was proven by all participants who enthusiastically participated in the activity from the beginning to the end of the event. The representative of the Dahlia Senja Posbindu, Mrs. Hj. Ratna as the head said that "The material provided and the effleurage massage taught can be understood and can be practiced daily together with other cadre members, with this activity the cadres and elderly gain new knowledge to be implemented in patients who are at high risk due to chronic diseases they suffer from which result in pressure ulcers due to prolonged bed rest."

Effleurage massage is an alternative to prevent pressure ulcers due to prolonged bed rest and improve blood circulation. By empowering cadres to control the health and well-being of the elderly, we hope that this activity can create a positive impact on cadres and the elderly. This shows the importance of community partnerships, especially cadres, in addressing the health needs of the elderly. By working together, health care professionals, community organizations, and individuals can create a more supportive and inclusive environment for the elderly.