To develop a theoretical construct of touch as it relates to nursing, an extensive was made of the basic and accepted theories of touch, and a survey was conducted of current practices of touch by approximately 900 health personnel in two Dallas, Texas hospitals. Survey data were gathered by observation of 180 sessions involving approximately 540 patients and was limited to the nature and extent of the touch rather than its effect on the patient. The findings indicated that a majority of the patients were touched in some way and that many circumstances, such as age, sex, race, and socioeconomic background influenced its use. Registered nurses touched almost twice as often as other personnel, and the areas most frequently touched were the patient's hand, forehead, and shoulder. Patients on the pediatric, labor and delivery, and intensive care wards received the most touch, and those listed in good and fair conditions were touched 70 percent more often than those acutely ill. From the findings and based on concepts of touch, a theoretical construct was developed which states that touch is an integral part of nursing intervention and is to be used judiciously as a means and basis of communication. (SB)