Positive Health Online

Abstract

STRINGER and DONALD, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Wilmslow Road, Manchester, United Kingdom. jacqui.stringer@christie.nhs.uk evaluated the effects of a new aromatherapy intervention introduced within an acute cancer care setting in the UK.

Background

Aromatherapy is a popular complementary therapy within oncology settings and is known to help relieve patients' anxiety. A new method of delivering aromatherapy to patients was adopted by a complementary therapy service at a UK hospital; aromasticks are similar in design to the Vicks® Vapour Inhaler®, with the intention of helping patients manage anxiety, nausea and sleep disturbance.

Methodology

A retrospective service evaluation. Patients referred to the complementary therapy service were, if appropriate, offered an aromastick. If the offer was accepted patients' details were captured on an evaluation form. One week later the patients were followed up by a different therapist. Frequency of using the aromastick and perceived benefits were documented. A total of 160 patients were included in this evaluation.

Results

77% (n = 123) of all patients reported deriving at least one benefit from the aromastick. In anxious patients, 65% reported feeling more relaxed and 51% felt less stress. 47% of nauseous patients said that the aromastick had settled their nausea and 55% of those experiencing sleep disturbances felt that aromastick helped them sleep. The results also suggest that the effects of the aromastick may be directly proportional to the frequency of their use.

Conclusion

Evidence demonstrating physiological changes associated with aroma inhalation plus the data presented in this paper highlight the potential for aromasticks within the clinical setting. Although the results of this evaluation of patient perspectives are not controlled, the data does underline the worth of further investigation. Future research is needed to show that aromasticks represent a tool patients can use to self-manage their own symptoms and help them retain an internal locus of control.

References

Stringer J and Donald G. Aromasticks in cancer care: an innovation not to be sniffed at. Source Complementary Therapies in Clinical Practice. 17(2):116-21. May 2011.

Comment

The above study contributes to the mounting body of evidence demonstrating the powerful effects of aromatherapy inhalation in clinical settings and in managing patient nausea and stress.