Oncol Nurs Forum. 2024 Dec 12;52(1):E1-E11. doi: 10.1188/25.ONF.E1-E11.
ABSTRACT
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of aromatherapy on symptom burden and associated outcomes.
SAMPLE & SETTING: 92 inpatients who underwent hematopoietic stem cell transplantation on hematology-oncology units in an academic hospital.
METHODS & VARIABLES: Participants in this pilot randomized controlled trial received essential oil-infused or blank aromatherapy patches and completed a symptom journal. Mixed-model analysis of variance was used to analyze chemotherapy-induced nausea, vomiting, and retching (CINVR) and anxiety symptoms. A t test was used to analyze medications administered for CINVR. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze additional study aims.
RESULTS: There was no significant difference in mean symptom scores or medications administered between the intervention and control groups. On a 1-10 rating scale (10 = extremely satisfied/extremely likely), aromatherapy was rated 8 or higher for satisfaction (n = 50) and likeliness to use again (n = 53).
IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING: Aromatherapy can be used for holistic symptom management to improve the patient experience.
PMID:39933106 | DOI:10.1188/25.ONF.E1-E11
