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This episode features\\xa0Dr Bridget Candy\\xa0(Marie Curie Palliative Care Research Department, Division of\\xa0Psychiatry, University College London, London, UK).

A systematic review of effectiveness data on aromatherapy, massage and reflexology in palliative care drew\\xa0inconclusive conclusions. A systematic review of qualitative evidences shows palliative care patients highly value\\xa0complementary therapy.

None of the aromatherapy, massage or reflexology trials included all key delivery components as outlined by palliative\\xa0care patients. The five quality of life scales used in the trials failed to capture the range of perceived benefits from the\\xa0complementary therapies and many included inappropriate or redundant items. This novel but simple method of\\xa0integrating synthesised qualitative and quantitative reviews through matrices allows the reasons for inconclusive trial\\xa0evidence to be explored.

This synthesis has highlighted a need for fully powered, robust trials of aromatherapy, massage and reflexology that are\\xa0conducted with the key components described by people with palliative care needs. Outcome measures should be\\xa0appropriate to capture the range of potential benefits highlighted by people with palliative needs. In the meantime,\\xa0complementary therapies should continue to be offered as part of palliative care.