Reiki Level One Training

🔎 Background:

Reiki, a form of energy therapy, has been widely utilized around the world as a non-pharmacological method for decreasing pain and anxiety, increasing comfort and supporting healing.

Traditionally, Reiki is taught by providers, Reiki Master Teachers, with or without a healthcare background. Classes may be several days long and the charge for these classes can be very expensive.

The Integrative Health Team at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia received multiple requests from staff to provide professional development after seeing the benefits of energy therapy firsthand with patients in the inpatient units.

🎯Aims:

• Increase the number of healthcare providers who can provide Reiki to patients as supportive care.

• Increase the accessibility of Reiki for CHOP staff and patients.

• Use multiple modalities to enhance learner engagement and reflection while providing pathways for personalization.

💡 Methods:

An interprofessional team collaborated to develop Reiki Level 1 and 2 courses. The initial education pilot was taught in-person in two-hour classes over the course of four weeks. Due to scheduling challenges, the training was changed to a blend of computer-based learning and reflection followed by in-person attunement and practice. The course included a participant guide, reflection exercises, videos and references.  User feedback allowed refinement of the course.  The course is offered to staff members and has been adapted for patients' families and caregivers as well.

📊 Results:

Since May 2023, four Level 1 and four Level 2 classes were scheduled with 23 attendees. Classes in 2024 are available. The family program was released on September 12, 2023, and two families participated as part of pilot testing. Participants reported that they would be more likely to refer their patients for integrative health services and would offer Reiki to their patients as part of comfort care on a routine basis. All felt the course met their expectations and they felt well prepared to offer Reiki to patients and colleagues. Staff received 8.0 contact hours for their participation.

📄 Conclusion:

Reiki can be successfully taught in a blended learning model to healthcare providers, increasing the availability of trained staff in the hospital. Family members are interested in learning Reiki to help their children and family.