Article # 8

 Using Blended Aromatherapy for Anxiety and Stress Management in Patients Receiving Oncology Care 

Luna Love, DNP, RN-BC, Kelly Crawford, DNP, APRN, FNP-C®, and Cheryl Adair, DNP, APRN, FNP-C 

 

BACKGROUND: Aromatherapy has been a well-documented, safe, complementary clinical intervention for various health conditions in and out of the hospital setting.  

OBJECTIVES: This evidence-based quality improvement project evaluates the effect of blended essential oils (lavender, orange, and peppermint) on stress and anxiety in hospitalized patients with cancer.  

METHODS: Participants (N = 30) on the inpatient oncology unit received nightly blended essential oil aromatherapy as a complementary intervention. A modified version of the Depression Anxiety Stress Scales 21-Item tool was used pre- and postintervention to assess changes in participants’ anxiety and stress levels.  

FINDINGS: Nightly aromatherapy produced a statistically significant decrease in anxiety (p < 0.001) and stress (p < 0.001). Supportive aromatherapy is a holistic, nurse-driven intervention that may help reduce anxiety and stress in hospitalized patients receiving oncology care  


Discussion Starting Points: 

Please choose two for your response:

How does this research article compare to our practice, policy and or procedure?

What are the advantages and disadvantages to the proposed recommendations in the article?

What are the advantages and disadvantages of implementing the article recommendations on your unit and/or hospital?

Was the correct method used? Why or why not?

Comments

  1. Mila Grace “Mimi” Sumulong January 5, 2026 at 7:42 PM

    How does this research article compare to our practice, policy and or procedure?

    I work in 2 hospitals both taking care of oncology patients. At St Joseph, we don't have the practice of using aromatherapy for our patients while at City of Hope, it is widely use especially in controlling their nausea and also helps in calming them during a seemingly stressful procedure.

    What are the advantages and disadvantages of implementing the article recommendations on your unit and/or hospital?

    As what the article indicated, it is "Nurse Driven", and because our oncology patient population are susceptible to anxiety and stress especially for a newly diagnosed patient, aromatherapy would be highly beneficial. As per my experience, I have provided some kind of aromatherapy to my patients especially right after Chemotherapy and it I had very positive feedback from my patients.



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