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Exploration of Aromatherapy in a Pediatric Outpatient Surgical Setting: A Pilot Study
Anita Norton1, Danielle Gustafson2, Rosemary White-Traut3
1Clinical Nurse Specialist, Surgical Services, Children's Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI.
Insights
This study found that QueaseEASE aromatherapy improved nausea scores in pediatric surgical patients. Families were satisfied with this complementary therapy for postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV).
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Surgery
- Nursing Care
- Complementary Therapies
Background:
- Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a common concern in pediatric surgical patients.
- Standard nursing care may require adjunctive therapies to manage PONV effectively.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the efficacy of QueaseEASE aromatherapy as a supplement to standard nursing care for pediatric patients experiencing PONV.
- To assess patient and family satisfaction with aromatherapy for PONV management.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, descriptive study involving pediatric outpatients aged 8-17.
- Utilized the Baxter Animated Retching Faces (BARF) scale to assess nausea severity.
- Offered QueaseEASE aromatherapy and conducted follow-up phone calls.
Main Results:
- 77.4% of patients showed improvement in nausea scores after using QueaseEASE.
- 51.8% of families continued using the aromatherapy post-discharge.
- 100% of families reported satisfaction with the aromatherapy adjunct.
Conclusions:
- Aromatherapy (QueaseEASE) can improve self-reported nausea in pediatric surgical outpatients.
- QueaseEASE is a well-accepted adjunct therapy by patients and families.
- Further research into aromatherapy for PONV management is warranted.
Purpose:
To explore whether an aromatherapy product, QueaseEASE, could be used to supplement standard postoperative nursing care for children experiencing discomfort from postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in a pediatric outpatient surgical setting.
Design:
Evidence-based practice project resulting in a prospective, descriptive research design.
Methods:
English-speaking pediatric outpatient surgical patients 8 to 17 years of age were evaluated for symptoms of discomfort during the postoperative phase of care, using the Baxter Animated Retching Faces (BARF) scale and offered the QueaseEASE aromatherapy product. A postoperative phone call was made the next business day to inquire about use of product at home.
Findings:
Thirty-one patients rated their BARF scores as four or greater and were qualified to use the aromatherapy pod. Twenty-four patients (77.4%) demonstrated a positive response to the aromatherapy, as evidenced by a BARF score improvement of 2 or more points upon reassessment. Fourteen of the 27 patients (51.8%) contacted at home during the postoperative phone call stated continued use of the aromatherapy pod, and 100% of the families were satisfied with this adjunct therapy.
Conclusions:
Aromatherapy resulted in an improvement in self-reported nausea scores in a pediatric surgical outpatient population and was a family satisfier. Further research is recommended.
