Oncology Nurse Navigator Dayton Children's Hospital Wilberforce, Ohio, United States
Title: A Whiff of Wellness: The evidence for aromatherapy in pediatric oncology patients who are receiving chemotherapy
Abstract : Basis of inquiry Pediatric oncology patients receiving chemotherapy have frequent issues with nausea ranging in severity. A variety of antiemetics are used in conjunction with chemotherapy. Antiemetics prescribed have possible side effects, especially with long-term use. I wanted to look at alternative non-pharmacologic option to help with nausea, focusing on aromatherapy.
Purpose Content is practice/educational program based. The purpose of the project is described via PICOT question. “In pediatric oncology patients receiving chemotherapy, how does utilizing aromatherapy in conjunction with antiemetics compared to antiemetics alone affect nausea episodes during hospitalization?”
Methods Following the steps of the Advancing Research and Clinical Practice through Close Collaboration (ARCC) model I performed a literature search based on my PICOT question using the key words: aromatherapy, nausea, and chemotherapy. I reviewed 2,279 titles/abstracts for studies that included adults and pediatrics, oncology, surgery, and antiemetic use with aromatherapy. I appraised 10 studies that met criteria; 2 systematic reviews, 7 randomized control trials, and 1 qualitative descriptive study. I synthesized the findings to develop a recommendation for practice change.
Findings Findings from literature search revealed that implementation of aromatherapy in conjunction with antiemetics decreased nausea and vomiting, and improved quality of life. 8 of 10 studies demonstrated decreased nausea with adjunctive aromatherapy. 1 study evaluated vomiting and showed a decrease in vomiting. 5 of 10 studies evaluated nausea and vomiting together with all showing a decrease in symptoms using aromatherapy. 6 of 10 studies demonstrated improvement in quality of life with adjunctive aromatherapy. The recommendation from this project is to provide aromatherapy as an adjunctive antiemetic for this institution’s patients receiving chemotherapy.
Conference Learning Gaps Learning gap is for Supportive Care/Symptom Management – Complementary and integrative therapies
Learning outcome The learner will be able to identify/discuss the use of aromatherapy options for nausea control during chemotherapy administration.
