Quality improvement project shows aromatherapy effectively decreases stress and anxiety in oncology patients, suggesting a valuable complementary intervention.
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 evaluated 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.
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Love et al. (2025) studied this question.
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