An aromatherapy massage intervention on sleep in the ICU: A randomized controlled feasibility study.

We conducted a feasibility randomized controlled trial exploring the effect of aromatherapy massage on sleep in critically ill patients. Patients were randomized to receive aromatherapy massage or usual care, and feasibility of recruitment and outcome data completion was captured. Sleep (depth) was assessed through Bispectral Index monitoring and self/nurse-reported Richards-Campbell Sleep Questionnaires, and the Sleep in the ICU Questionnaire. Thirty-four patients participated: 17 were randomized to aromatherapy massage and 17 to control. Five participants who received the intervention completed outcomes for analysis (alongside eight controls). A larger study was deemed unfeasible in this population, highlighting the value of testing feasibility of complex interventions, such as massage for sleep in ICU.

A study to look at the effects of a hydrolat spray on hot flushes in women being treated for breast cancer.

Women undergoing treatment for breast cancer may experience hot flushes, which greatly impact on quality of life. The use of water sprays or moist wipes to lower skin temperature is often recommended. A peppermint and neroli hydrolat spray was compared to a plain water spray to assess which was preferred, in a single-blind randomised control crossover trial. Only 18 of the 44 patients (41%) preferred the hydrolat spray to a plain water spray, which was less than the 80% required to offer this spray as a standard suggestion for hot flush management. However a small number of those choosing it found it extremely helpful. Both sprays appeared to lessen hot flush annoyance. Previous chemotherapy appeared to be a factor influencing the choice of spray.

The use of aromasticks to help with sleep problems: A patient experience survey.

To document the use of aromasticks to facilitate sleep in a cancer centre in the UK. Sleep disturbance is a common problem amongst patients diagnosed with cancer. Essential oils may be inhaled by means of an aromastick (a personal inhaler device containing essential oils) as a means of improving sleep. A prospective audit of aromasticks given to help facilitate sleep. Sixty-five aromasticks were given out over a 13 week period. 94% of patients reported that they did use their aromastick to help them sleep and 92% reported that they would continue to do so. An improvement of at least one point on a Likert scale measuring sleep quality was shown by 64% of patients following the use of an aromastick. Bergamot (Citrus bergamia) and sandalwood (Santalum austrocaladonicum); and frankincense (Boswellia carterii), mandarin (Citrus reticulata) and lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) were the essential oils used in the two blends chosen by patients.

The use of aromasticks at a cancer centre: a retrospective audit.

AIM: To consider the use of aromasticks in a cancer centre in the UK: the reasons for their use, the choice of essential oils used in them and the demographics of the patients to whom they were given. BACKGROUND: Aromasticks are personal aromatherapy inhaler devices, used in this hospital by the complementary therapy team to improve patients' well-being and quality of life by helping with symptom control. DESIGN: A retrospective audit of aromastick use covering a 28 month period from January 2011-April 2013. RESULTS: A total of 514 aromasticks were given out, to patients with a variety of cancer diagnoses and symptoms. The most common reasons for aromastick use were to alleviate nausea or to encourage relaxation. Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), lemon (Citrus limon), frankincense (Boswellia carterii), bergamot (Citrus bergamia), orange sweet (Citrus sinensis) and peppermint (Mentha x piperita) were the essential oils used most often.

Is reflexology as effective as aromatherapy massage for symptom relief in an adult outpatient oncology population?

AIM: To test whether reflexology was inferior to aromatherapy massage for ameliorating self-selected problems or concerns. DESIGN: Non-blinded, randomised study with a 1:1 allocation. Adult outpatients recruited from a UK cancer centre, randomised by the minimisation method to either four aromatherapy massage or four reflexology sessions. OUTCOME MEASURES: MYCaW scores at baseline and completion; VAS (relaxation) pre and post-sessions. ANALYSIS: Unpaired t-test for the primary outcome; analysis of variance tests for repeated measures for VAS (relaxation); descriptive statistics (means and 95% confidence intervals) and content analysis for patient comments. RESULTS: 115 subjects (58 aromatherapy massage, 57 reflexology) recruited. Reflexology was found to be no less effective than aromatherapy massage for MYCaW first concerns (p = 0.046). There was no statistical difference between groups for MYCaW second concerns or overall well-being scores, proportions of patients gaining clinical benefit, VAS scores over time (p = 0.489) or between groups (p = 0.408) or in the written responses.