Evaluating the Aromatherapy Recommendation for Pain in the Holistic Nurses' Pain Relief Tools for Patients and Self-Care

Abstract

Purpose of Study: The purpose of the study was to evaluate the usefulness of the aromatherapy (AT) recommendation in the American Holistic Nurses Association's (AHNA’s) Holistic Nurses' Pain Relief Tools for Patients and Self-Care (Pain Tool). Methodology: An observational survey design was used and a purposeful sample of 55 nurses were invited to a two-part, 15-question survey administered via SurveyMonkey. The demographic data were analyzed with quantitative analysis and the open-ended questions were analyzed via content analysis. Results: A total of 55 registered nurses completed the survey and the mean age of participants was 53 years old. Lavender essential oil (EO) was used by 100% ( N = 55) of participants and the inhalation method was favored (93%; n = 51). The AT recommendation was most helpful for educational purposes (29%; n = 16) and to reduce symptoms of pain (21%; n = 8). A majority of participants used the five holistic nursing core values (70%; n = 31) as well as promote more options for pain management (48%; n = 13) to improve outcomes (30%; n = 13). Respondents recommend the addition of more EOs and safety information (23%; n = 8). Finally, five recommendations were made to AHNA. Implication for Practice: Nurses who use AT (guideline) as a safe, cost-effective intervention for pain improve quality outcomes.

Can Essential Oils Provide an Alternative Adjuvant Therapy for COVID-19 Infections and Pain Management at the Same Time?

“…While more than 300,000 papers have been published since the outbreak of SARS-CoV-2, the role of aromatherapy as a treatment option has been astonishingly neglected [12][13][14]. The situation is comparable to the application of aromatherapy to reduce opioid requirements [15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22]. Therefore, the intention of this review article is to point out the not fully recognized potential of aromatherapy and essential oils for a specifically vulnerable subset of COVID-19 patients who also suffer from opioid misuse and addiction.…”

The Impact of Postoperative Patient Aromatherapy on Nurse Self-Efficacy

“…The nurse follows the prescribed treatment; if available and supported by the institution, a nurse also can offer alternatives such as aromatherapy (Surya et al, 2020). The essential oils used in aromatherapy have been shown in some instances to increase relaxation, provide calmness, and aid in reducing or eliminating nausea and vomiting postoperatively (Dimitriou et al, 2017; Santos et al, 2022; Surya et al, 2020). Explorations such as this practice project can support the evidence of nurses and healthcare providers using critical thinking and clinical judgment to promote comfort in an ethically sound manner.…”