Authors (including presenting author) :
Hui WM, Cheng PH, Yau WS, Kong TY, Cheong YL
Affiliation :
Palliative Care Unit, Hong Kong Buddhist Hospital
Introduction :
Aromatherapy can aid the management of symptoms control, but aromatherapy’s greatest strength in palliative care lies in its ability to facilitate communication at an emotional and spiritual level, as well as giving patients the feelings of comfort and relaxation. For this reason, aromatherapy is used in Palliative Care Specialist Out-patient Clinic to reduce anxiety among patients awaiting clinical consultations as well as to facilitate family engagement. To ensure the safe use of aromatherapy in Palliative Care Unit, two palliative care nurses with a Professional Diploma in Aromatherapy and Bodywork would overlook the implementation and evaluation process.
Objectives :
The aim of this intervention was to explore patients and family members’ perceptions on inhalation aromatherapy within a Palliative Care Out-patient setting in Hong Kong Buddhist Hospital.
Methodology :
1. A cross-sectional survey was conducted between 4 Jan 2022 and 10 Nov 2022
a. All patients or relatives were invited to respond to a survey.
b. A simple question would be asked, “do you feel comfortable with the aromatic scent?”
c. Efficacy was measured as yes/no.
2. Before starting the intervention:
a. A warming diffuser without water reservoir was selected.
b. The essential oils were carefully chosen.
c. The six essential oils blending included: Citrus aurantium var sinensis and Lavandula angustifolia; Citrus reticulata and Lavandula angustifolia; Citrus limon and Lavandula angustifolia; Citrus limon and Citrus reticulata; Boswellia carterii and Pelargonium roseum; and Boswellia carterii and Cymbopogon martini.
Result & Outcome :
1. A total of 556 patients or family members were recruited.
2. The responded rate was 100%.
3. In total, 99.46% of the patients and family members reported feeling comfortable and relaxed with the aromatic scent.
4. 100% of the patients and family members reported feeling comfortable and relaxed with the three essential oils blending.
5. 0.36% of the patients reported odorless of the environment with the use of two essential oils blending. These patients were diagnosed with nasopharyngeal cancer and they also reported a decreased sense of smell.
Based on the results of the intervention, it was found that the use of inhalation aromatherapy has demonstrated a potential for promoting relaxation. It is hoped that this intervention will provide impetus for further quantitative and qualitative study on patients’ experiences of aromatherapy in palliative care.
