EFFECTS OF LAVENDER AROMATHERAPY ON ONCOLOGY PATIENTS PERCEPTION OF WELL-BEING AND COMFORT.

Translation/Implementation Science Background & Significance: There are gaps in the use of lavender aromatherapy in acute settings, especially oncology inpatient nursing units. While hospitals may serve to diagnose and treat, the stressors of being in an unfamiliar environment, experiencing loss of...

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Detalles Bibliográficos
Publicado en:Oncology Nursing Forum Vol. 53; no. 2; pp. 371 - 373
Autores principales: Cros, Carolyn, Chernesky, Shelli, Chang, Catherina, Giron, Giomara, Parris, Galiana, Fong, Cherelle
Formato: Journal Article
Publicado: Oncology Nursing Society Mar2026
Acceso en línea:Ver este registro en EBSCOhost
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Sumario:Translation/Implementation Science Background & Significance: There are gaps in the use of lavender aromatherapy in acute settings, especially oncology inpatient nursing units. While hospitals may serve to diagnose and treat, the stressors of being in an unfamiliar environment, experiencing loss of control, the financial impact of a hospital admission, separated from their home and families can impact patients' sense of well-being. Oncology nurses can enhance patients' hospital experience with the use of aromatherapy. Purpose: To investigate the effects of lavender aromatherapy on the perception of com-fort and well-being in oncology patients' during their hospital admission. Methods: This was a prospective, quasi-experimental study with 62 patients who were admitted to the inpatient oncology units between June 2025 to September 2025. Their perception of well-being (WHO-5 Well-Being Index) and comfort (modified Kolcaba General Comfort Questionnaire) were assessed. The subjects also reported their pain, comfort, and anxiety levels using a numeric analog scale before and after the aromatherapy session and prior to discharge. The subjects had daily aromatherapy sessions using Elequil® Aromatabs® that were applied from day one to discharge date. Findings and Interpretations: Participants (n=62) were aged 28-82 years (M=64.9, SD=14.9), gender (56% male, 44% female), 72% Hispanic. The number of aromatherapy sessions ranged from 1-8 days (M=3.5, SD=1.9). There was a reduction in self-reported pain (3.5 + 3.2 vs. 2.1+ 2.5, p < 0.05) and anxiety level ( 2.9 + 3.2 vs. 1.7 + 2.3, p < 0.05) from admission to discharge, and these were significant. There were significant differences between admission and discharge results for the WHO-5 Well-Being Index and modified Kolcaba General Comfort Questionnaire (p<0.05). These findings suggest the implementation of lavender aromatherapy sessions may contribute to improved perception of comfort and well-being in patients with cancer. These findings warrant further exploration in future studies, involving diverse ethnic groups. Discussion: Lavender aromatherapy sessions may serve as an effective adjunct to conventional therapies/ strategies to promote comfort and well-being in patients with cancer during their admission to an acute inpatient setting.