To evaluate the efficacy of Soothing Scents QuickTABs™ in improving patient comfort, anxiety, and symptom management during labor, delivery, and postpartum care.
Read more: QuickTABs™ Efficacy Trial in the Family Birthing Center at FHN Memorial HospitalDATE: July/August 2025
INSTITUTION: FHN Memorial Hospital, Family Birthing Center, Freeport, IL
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
FHN Memorial Hospital’s Family Birthing Center conducted a clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy of Soothing Scents QuickTABs™ in a perinatal setting. The trial aimed to assess the impact of aromatherapy on patient comfort, anxiety, and symptom management during labor, delivery, and postpartum care. The findings, gathered from initial patient surveys, indicate a significant positive response. The QuickTABs™ proved to be a valuable non-pharmacological tool, resulting in a decision to expand their use to other departments within the hospital.
KEY PATIENT CASE STUDIES & FEEDBACK
The trial demonstrated the versatility and effectiveness of various Soothing Scents QuickTABs™ in addressing specific patient discomfort associated with:
Anxiety & Stress Management
A patient with increased anxiety and rising blood pressure during epidural placement used the STILL QuickTAB™. It successfully calmed her, allowing her to take deep, relaxing breaths.
A patient experiencing anxiety related to multiple IV insertions found relief using the Lavender-Sweet Orange DuoBLEND QuickTAB™.
Symptom Relief
Peppermint provided rapid relief for a patient with urinary retention. Another patient used it to alleviate dizziness and successfully aid in bladder voiding.
STILL was utilized for muscle/neck pain and headache. In a separate case, it helped a patient with a headache and insomnia to relax and rest, though it did not resolve the headache itself.
Labor & Delivery Support
A patient in active labor used the Clear QuickTAB™ to aid breathing while awaiting an epidural.
Both Clear and Peppermint were noted to ease breathing and enhance comfort, especially during the pushing phase of labor.
SUMMARY OF QUICKTAB APPLICATIONS FROM CLINICAL TRIAL
Based on the survey results, the FHN team identified the following primary applications for each QuickTAB™:
| QuickTAB™ | Comfort Promotion Benefits |
|---|---|
| STILL | Anxiousness, muscle/neck pain, headache, relaxation |
| Lav-SO DuoBLEND | Sleep aid, anxiousness, calming during labor and pushing |
| Clear | Eases breathing, particularly during the pushing phase |
| Peppermint | Urinary retention, nausea, dizziness, breathing/comfort support |
| Bergamot | Calming, anxiousness, grief support |
| Sweet Orange | Anxiousness |
| Lavender | Anxiousness, general labor support |
CONCLUSION & INSTITUTIONAL RESPONSE
The trial of Soothing Scents QuickTABs™ was highly successful. The positive feedback from both patients and staff has been compelling. The product has been validated as an effective, easy-to-use solution for improving the patient experience. As a direct result of these positive findings, other departments have requested access to the product, and the FHN purchasing department is working to facilitate a hospital-wide implementation.
REPORT SUBMITTED BY
Keri Schubert BSN, RNC-MNN, C-EFM, Perinatal Educator, Family Birthing Center, FHN Memorial Hospital, 1045 W Stephenson St, Freeport, IL 61032