I can’t say it any better than this.
Patients come to the clinic and operating table expecting to be touched, clinically, humanly, and emotionally. It goes beyond the routines of physical examination. The touch on the hand, the squeeze on the shoulder, the hand on the back as they walk, all work towards providing hope, encouragement and comfort. In fact, it is these touches that patients sometimes remember more than your quoted survival statistics. Do it today. Touch your patients, with consent and compassion. It may be the most important thing you can do for your patients today.