The Effect of Inhaler Aromatherapy on Invasive Pain, Procedure Adherence, Vital Signs, and Saturation During Port Catheterization in Oncology Patients

The effect of rose oil aromatherapy and hand-holding on pain due to peripheral intravenous catheter insertion

INTRODUCTION

The study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of rose oil (Rosa Damascene Mill.) aromatherapy and hand-holding in reducing pain associated with peripheral intravenous catheter insertion.

METHODS

A comparative mixed-method design. A total of 126 patients were included in the study. For the study's quantitative data, sociodemographic characteristics of the patients and the Patient Interview Form for the qualitative data of the Numeric Rating Scale were used. In all patients included in the study, PIVC insertion was performed a single time by the same nurse using a standard procedure. Chi-square and Bonferroni tests were used for comparative statistics.

RESULTS

No statistically significant difference between the groups regarding age, gender, marital status, BMI, and education level (p>0.05). Pain scores: it was 2.40±1.78 in the rose oil group, 3.53±1.98 in the hand-holding group, and 4.88±1.56 in the control group. The difference between the groups regarding pain scores is statistically significant (p=0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

The study determined that rose oil aromatherapy and hand-holding interventions reduce pain during PIVC. However, rose oil aromatherapy was more effective on pain than the hand-holding intervention. (Clinical Trial ID: NCT05425849).

Effects of Orange Oil Aromatherapy on Pain and Anxiety During Invasive Interventions in Patients With Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplants

Invasive interventions, such as peripheral intravenous cannula, port needle placement, and blood collection, are often required for both inpatient and outpatient follow-up patients with hematological malignancies and hematopoietic stem cell transplants. This prospective, randomized controlled experimental study assessed the effect of orange oil inhalation used in aromatherapy on pain and anxiety levels in invasive interventions with hematological malignancies and hematopoietic stem cell transplants. It was conducted prospectively with 80 patients with hematological malignancies who were treated in the adult bone marrow transplant unit and adult hematology service of a private hospital between May 2021 and April 2022. The orange oil inhalation used in aromatherapy was applied to patients in the intervention group. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were used for data collection. Regarding the personal characteristics of the patients, 42.5% were ≥61 years old, 60% were men, and 85% were married. VAS pain scores of the intervention group were statistically lower than those of the control group (P < .001). However, there was no statistically significant difference in the STAI scores of groups (P >.05). The study results show that orange oil inhalation has been determined to reduce pain during invasive interventions.

Efficacy of Essential Oils in Relieving Cancer Pain: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Over 80% of patients affected by cancer develops cancer-related pain, one of the most feared consequences because of its intractable nature, particularly in the terminal stage of the disease. Recent evidence-based recommendations on integrative medicine for the management of cancer pain underline the role of natural products. The present systematic review and meta-analysis aims at appraising for the first time the efficacy of aromatherapy in cancer pain in clinical studies with different design according to the most updated Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) 2020 recommendations. The search retrieves 1002 total records. Twelve studies are included and six are eligible for meta-analysis. The present study demonstrates significant efficacy of the use of essential oils in the reduction of the intensity of pain associated with cancer (p < 0.00001), highlighting the need for earlier, more homogeneous, and appropriately designed clinical trials. Good certainty body of evidence is needed for effective and safe management of cancer-related pain using essential oils by establishment of a step-by-step preclinical-to-clinical pathway to provide a rational basis for clinical use in integrative oncology. PROSPERO registration: CRD42023393182.

"Like one part of a puzzle" - individualized aromatherapy for women with gynecological cancers in aftercare: results from a qualitative-focused mixed-methods study

BACKGROUND

Gynecological cancer(s), including breast cancer patients in aftercare and survivors, need supportive strategies to cope with symptoms that are adapted to their individual needs and circumstances. Aromatherapy has potential to be such strategy, but (qualitative) empirical research taking users' own views into consideration about the potential and challenge of aromatherapy is lacking.

PURPOSE

The purpose of the study is to gain insights from individualized aromatherapy as a supportive care treatment, regarding their use and evaluation by women with gynecological cancers in aftercare.

METHODS

We conducted a study with a mixed-methods design, focused on qualitative research. Five essential oil products were given to 18 participants to apply individually over a 4-week period. After the intervention, qualitative semi-structured interviews were conducted. Further, we documented and assessed symptomatic burdens of the women (MYMOP2) before and after intervention quantitatively.

RESULTS

Aromatherapy was customized by the participants according to their needs. It showed potential for relief of symptomatic burdens - especially nausea, peripheral neuropathy, pain, and sleep. Additionally, opportunities emerged to indirectly affect symptomatic burdens. These developed out of new coping strategies (e.g., sleep routines) or by combining with existing strategies (e.g., meditation). Furthermore, aromatherapy was successfully used to promote well-being and encourage mindfulness.

CONCLUSION

Our findings demonstrated the potential of aromatherapy as a supportive treatment modality that can be used as a kind of toolbox. Challenges, such as individual odor aversions and intolerances, and limitations due to medication or illness should be considered in future aromatherapy research.

Effects of Cold Therapy on Pain and Anxiety During Needle Removal From Implanted Ports

This study was conducted as a quasiexperimental, single-blind study to examine the effect of cold therapy on pain and anxiety during port needle removal. Patients in the experimental group received cold therapy 10 minutes before port needle removal. Patients in the control group received no intervention before port needle removal. Data were collected using the visual analog scale (VAS) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI). After cold therapy was applied to the patients in the experimental group, the second and third VAS scores were found to be statistically significant and lower than those in the control group ( P < .05). There was no statistically significant difference between the anxiety levels of the experimental group and the control group before cold therapy ( P > .005). However, the STAI scores of the experimental group were found to be statistically and significantly lower than those of the control group after cold therapy ( P < .05). This study determined that cold therapy before port needle removal reduces pain and anxiety. Cold therapy may be recommended as an effective nonpharmacological pain control method with ease of application to prevent pain induced by port needle removal.

The Effects of Aromatherapy on Anxiety and Depression in People With Cancer: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background

Anxiety and depression are highly prevalent in people with cancer. Medical therapies are usually prescribed to alleviate anxiety and depression, but they are associated with a variety of adverse effects. Recently, aromatherapy showed potential as a complementary medicine to improve psychological health and wellbeing. However, its effectiveness on relieving anxiety and depression has not been established.

Objective

This study explored the beneficial effects of aromatherapy on psychological symptoms such as anxiety and depression in people with cancer.

Methods

We searched international databases including PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, Embase, Medline, Ebscohost, ProQuest and Scopus from inception to 31 May 2021. The risk of bias was assessed using the Cochrane Collaboration's tool for assessing risk of bias. The systematic review and meta-analysis were performed according to the PRISMA guidelines. Quantitative analysis was performed on the studies that met our inclusion criteria, and Meta-analysis was performed on the studies with available data by RevMan software.

Results

The quality of the literatures were assessed carefully by two researchers, a total of 17 studies were included in the systematic review and 10 articles were conducted in meta-analysis. The aromatherapy was effective in relieving anxiety (SMD = -0.49, p < 0.05) in people with cancer. Subgroup analysis suggested that most effective methods were aromatic massage (SMD = -0.70, p < 0.005), aromatherapy with lavender essential oils (SMD = -1.12, p < 0.01), short-time interventions (duration < 4weeks) (SMD = -0.87, p < 0.05) and studies in Asia (SMD = -0.83, p < 0.05). Regarding depression and psychological wellbeing, there were no difference between aromatherapy and control groups.

Conclusion

In cancer patients, the aromatherapy was effective for relieving anxiety. However, there was no beneficial effect on depression and psychological wellbeing.

Systematic Review Registration

PROSPERO, identifier: CRD42021272465.

Plant Fragrances Are Like Music for Our Senses: A Scoping Review of Aromatherapy in Gynecologic Cancers and Breast Cancer Care

Introduction: Essential oil (EO) applications via inhalation and/or absorption through the skin-often referred to as aromatherapy-have particular relevance as complementary to cancer treatment and follow-up care. Aromatherapy is of particular interest for controlling symptoms and enhancing the general well-being of people with cancer. This is indicated by the increasing number of empirical studies on this topic. Although numerous reviews have summarized the extensive primary research about aromatherapy and cancer, no review on aromatherapy use targeting women with gynecologic and breast cancers currently exists. Our scoping review aims at giving an overview of the state of research about aromatherapy in this specific target group. By summarizing and describing study characteristics, based on methodological decisions and content, we intend to offer implications for future research, focused on the use of EO in women with gynecologic and breast cancers. Methods: A systematic scoping review was conducted, based on the literature, and using the extension of the PRISMA statement for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR). The databases PubMed and CINHAHL were searched in a multi-stage, iterative process taking the most relevant terms under consideration, given our research interest and Boolean operators. The included studies were analyzed and summarized through (1) a table matrix including categories of interest and (2) qualitative content analysis. Results: One hundred seventy studies were examined, and 10 were included in this review. They show high heterogeneity in how the term aromatherapy is defined, in content, research design, EO used, application, and outcomes. However, all 10 studies exclusively targeted women with breast cancer in different states of cancer treatment. Conclusions: Challenges of research within this field point to the heterogeneous use and classification of the term aromatherapy, the differentiation of the principle of action of EO, the lack of transparency in how EO are reported and described (e.g., botanical names, company, dosage, mixing ratios), and the need to include subjective perceptions. Ten implications for future research based on these challenges are given.

The Effect of Virtual Reality Distraction Intervention on Pain, Anxiety, and Vital Signs of Oncology Patients Undergoing Port Catheter Implantation: A Randomized Controlled Study

BACKGROUND

Although the port catheters have many beneficial effects on the patient's quality of life, it was reported in the literature that patients experience pain in the incision area after the implantation or anxiety before, during or, after the implantation.Distraction is a simple and effective method in the management of pain and anxiety.

AIMS

To determine the effect of virtual reality (VR) distraction intervention on pain, anxiety, and vital signs of oncology patients undergoing port catheter implantation.

DESIGN

Randomized controlled study METHODS: The study was carried out with 139 participants (69 intervention, 70 control) between September 2019 and January 2020. Data were collected before, during, and after the implantation by using a patient identification form, State Anxiety Inventory (SAI), a table for vital signs, and a visual analog scale for pain severity. In the intervention group, a virtual reality device, movies, and relaxing music were provided and patients were instructed to use it during the implantation and when they felt pain after the implantation. There wasn't any blinding for patients or researchers throughout the study.

RESULTS

There was an increase in pain scores of both groups after the implantation; however, pain scores in the intervention group were lower and there was a statistically significant difference between the groups after the implantation. In the intervention group, there was a decrease in anxiety, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate, and an increase in SpO2. VR use has a great effect on pain scores (Cohen's d = 3.023) and a great effect on SAI scores (Cohen's d = 8.770).

CONCLUSIONS

VR distraction intervention was found an effective way to reduce pain, anxiety, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and respiratory rate and increase the SpO2 of the patients undergoing port catheter implantation.

Effect of inhalation aromatherapy on physical and psychological problems in cancer patients: Systematic review and Meta-analysis

PURPOSE

This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the effects of inhalation aromatherapy on physical and psychological problems in cancer patients.

METHODS

We searched relevant randomized controlled trials and quasi-randomized controlled trials in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Embase, CINHAL, CNKI, CBM, Wan Fang, and VIP databases, and then evaluated the quality and extracted data from these studies. The publication date was from the establishment of each database until May 2021.

RESULTS

We ultimately included 16 publications that examined 636 patients and 636 controls. Inhalation of aromatherapy had no effect on pain and depression; mixed results on nausea and vomiting; reduced sleep disorders and anxiety; and improved quality of life.

CONCLUSIONS

Although inhalation aromatherapy may benefit cancer patients, more high-quality evidence is needed to support its clinical usefulness.

The effects of foot massage on hemodialysis patients' sleep quality and restless leg syndrome: a comparison of lavender and sweet orange essential oil topical application

OBJECTIVES

Hemodialysis (HD) patients suffer more sleep problems (poor sleep quality and restless leg syndrome [RLS]). Complementary therapy, especially massage with aromatherapy oil is one of the non-pharmacological treatment options with less adverse effects than routine methods. The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of foot massage with of lavender and orange essential oil on HD patients' sleep quality and RLS.

METHODS

This is a double blind randomized controlled trial on 105 HD patients was conducted at a large educational hospital in Iran, Hamadan province between January and September 2017. Patients divided into three groups with random allocation (35 participants per groups in lavender, orange, and control group). Foot massage during HD with lavender and orange essential oil was administered to the patients three times a week for three weeks, and every massage lasted half an hour. The control group received routine care. Before the intervention, the end of the first, second, and third weeks Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and RLS questionnaire were completed for all three groups. Data were statistically analyzed with Independent Samples t-test, chi-square test and repeated-measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) by SPSS version 16.

RESULTS

The mean score of sleep quality and RLS in the intervention groups were significantly different compare with the control group in all three time of data collecting (p<0 001).

CONCLUSIONS

Aromatherapy prepared with lavender oil and sweet orange may be recommended to increase sleep quality and RLS level of the HD patients.

Effects of lavender and Citrus aurantium on pain of conscious intensive care unit patients: A parallel randomized placebo-controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Conscious patients admitted to intensive care units (ICUs) suffer from pain for various reasons, which can affect their recovery process.

OBJECTIVE

The present study compared the effects of aromatherapy with Citrus aurantium and lavender essential oils against placebo for reducing pain in conscious intensive care patients.

DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS AND INTERVENTIONS

This study was a parallel randomized placebo-controlled trial. The ICUs of two educational hospitals in Kerman in Southeastern Iran were the study setting. One hundred and fifty conscious intensive care patients were randomly divided into three groups using a stratified block randomization method. Two groups received aromatherapy with essential oils: one with lavender and the other with C. aurantium; these patients received a 30-minute therapy session using their assigned essential oil on the second day of their intensive care stay. The placebo group used 5 drops of normal saline instead of essential oil during their session.

MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES

Patient's pain was assessed using a visual analog scale before the aromatherapy intervention, as well as immediately after and one and three hours after intervention.

RESULTS

The mean pain score of the lavender group was 40.01 before the aromatherapy intervention and fell to 39.40, 30.60 and 23.68 immediately after the intervention, and at hour one and three post-intervention, respectively. The mean pain score of the C. aurantium group was 45.48 before the intervention and was reduced to 32.34 at three hours after the intervention. The mean pain of the placebo group decreased from 42.80 before the intervention to 35.20 at three hours after the intervention. Pain scores of all groups decreased during the study (P < 0.001). The mean pain of the lavender group was significantly lower than that of the placebo group at three hours after the intervention.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study showed that aromatherapy with lavender essential oil reduced pain in conscious ICU patients. Our data could not justify the use of C. aurantium for reducing pain in this population.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

No. IRCT20170116031972N9 (https://en.irct.ir/trial/40827).

Effects of lavender oil intervention before endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography on patients' vital signs, pain and anxiety: A randomized controlled study

BACKGROUND

This study was carried out to determine the effects of lavender oil intervention before endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP) on patients' vital signs, pain and anxiety.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This study was designed as a randomized controlled study. The population of the study consisted of adult patients who were going to receive ERCP at the gastroenterology clinic of a university hospital. Ninety patients participated in the study. The data were collected using a Patient Information Form, a Pre-Post Test Record Form, VAS and the State Anxiety Scale.

RESULTS

After lavender oil intervention, the pulse rate, systolic-diastolic blood pressure, pain and anxiety levels of the patients in the experiment group were reduced, their oxygen saturation levels were increased, and the difference between the groups was statistically significant (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Lavender oil applied on the patients before the ERCP procedure reduced their pulse rate, systolic-diastolic blood pressure, pain and anxiety levels, while it increased their oxygen saturation levels.

Comparison the effects of inhalation and massage aromatherapy with lavender and sweet orange on fatigue in hemodialysis patients: a randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVES

Fatigue, regardless of the causes, could leave a negative impact on individual performance. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of inhalation and massage aromatherapy with lavender and sweet orange on fatigue among hemodialysis patients.

METHODS

This study was a randomized controlled trial. The patients (96 patients) were allocated to three groups (control, an inhalation aromatherapy, and an aromatherapy massage group). A demographic questionnaire as well as the rhoten fatigue scale (RFS) was used to collect the data. The data were analyzed by descriptive and analytical statistics using SPSS version 18.

RESULTS

Before the intervention, there was no significant difference among the groups regarding fatigue level (p=0.54). However, eight and 16 weeks after the study, the levels of fatigue in both experimental groups were significantly lower than the control group (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Interventions with essential oils are effective in reducing fatigue in hemodialysis patients, although the effects of aromatherapy massage on fatigue are stronger than the effects of inhalation aromatherapy.

Use of Essential Oils by Health Care Professionals for Health Maintenance

This study explores essential oils' use by health care professionals for health maintenance. A qualitative, descriptive design was employed, and a convenience sample of 10 participants was interviewed. Four themes were identified: an essential oils' community, essential oils' use, essential oils' acceptance, and essential oils' benefits and harms.

Effect of aromatherapy on cancer complications: A systematic review

PURPOSE

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of aromatherapy on cancer complications.

METHODS

In this systematic review, international (PubMed, Web of Science, Scopus, EMBASE and CENTRAL) and national databases (SID and Magiran) were searched from inception of the databases to April 31, 2019. JBI and Jadad scales were used to assess the quality of the studies included.

RESULTS

of 43 Studies conducted on 3239 cancer patients in 13 countries from 1995 to 2019, entered the final stage. The results showed that the aromatherapy improves the various physical and psychological complications, although few studies have shown that aromatherapy had no effect on skin reactions.

CONCLUSION

Considering the various complications and costs in cancer patients, it seems that the aromatherapy can be used as a proper supplemental treatment to improve complications, although further studies are needed to determine the protocol and the standard dosage.