This research investigates whether the implementation of aromatherapy among healthcare workers and hospital staff leads to a reduction in stress levels in comparison to healthcare workers who do not use aromatherapy.
Read more: Aromatherapy with Soothing ScentsAUTHOR:
Lauren Hoch, ADN, RN, Madison Hess, BSN, RN Pediatrics
DATE: October 2021
BACKGROUND
Work-related stress and burnout pose significant challenges, potentially resulting in higher turnover rates that can adversely impact health organizations. According to Hippocrates’ belief, aromatic baths and scented massage were key to good health. Aromatherapy, a non-invasive and convenient intervention, has been employed to address a range of conditions, including anxiety, stress, and pain.
PICO
P- health care workers/ hospital staff
I- aromatherapy
C- healthcare workers that do not utilize aromatherapy
O- decreased stress levels
The perioperative nurse will gain a greater understanding of how aromatherapy can be a valuable alternative therapy in relieving patients’ discomfort in the treatment of PONV.
EVIDENCE
Research findings reveal a notable reduction in occupational stress scores among nurses in the experimental group following an aromatherapy intervention. Specifically, the use of lavender essential oil demonstrated effectiveness in alleviating stress among nurses, known for its diverse range of biological effects. Nonpharmacological interventions including aromatherapy, proved significantly successful in reducing anxiety levels among nurses when compared to the control group. These results underscore the potential benefits of incorporating aromatherapy as a nonpharmacological strategy to address stress and anxiety in nursing settings.
OUTCOMES
Fifty healthcare providers, comprising nurses, administrative partners, technical partners, and doctors, participated in a convenient sampling study. The Perceived Stress Scale survey was administered both before and a month after the distribution of the STILL aromatherapy inhaler. The results indicated a notable reduction in average stress levels, decreasing from 18.14 to 14.96 over the course of the intervention. This suggests the effectiveness of aromatherapy in stress reduction within a one-month timeframe. It is worth noting that individual Perceived Stress Scale scores can range from 0 to 40, with higher scores indicating higher perceived stress levels.
IMPLEMENTATON
In a convenient sampling study involving 50 hospital staff participants, a pre-and-post questionnaire utilizing the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS) was employed to measure current stress levels. The intervention involved the use of a Soothing Scents aromatic inhaler containing a blend of lavender, bergamot, sweet orange, and ylang-ylang. The PSS, a 10-question survey, served as a tool to assess perceived stress levels before and after the intervention. To use the aromatic inhaler, participants were instructed to gently twist the cap, place it under their nose, and inhale, with the option to repeat as needed. It is important to note that the inhaler is intended for external use only and should not be ingested.
NEXT STEPS
Additional research endeavors can be undertaken to investigate the potential impact of implementing aromatherapy on reducing medication usage. Exploring the applicability of aromatherapy in various healthcare domains could provide valuable insights into its broader usage. Conducting additional studies to assess the effects of aromatherapy on patients would contribute to a deeper understanding of its potential benefits across different healthcare contexts.
REFERENCES
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