Aromatherapy Inhaler Use for HSCT Distress

Aromatherapy Inhaler Use for Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Patient Distress

This randomized controlled trial will evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of an inhaled aromatherapy stick for patients during the acute inpatient phase after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) . The study will also explore whether aromatherapy use is associated with short-term changes in patient-reported cancer-related distress and coping self-efficacy.

Patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) commonly experience high levels of distress and other symptoms during the acute inpatient period. Inhaled aromatherapy is a low-burden, patient-directed supportive care strategy that may be feasible to deliver during hospitalization. This randomized, parallel-group study will evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of an aromatherapy inhaler ("aromatherapy stick") during the early post-transplant inpatient period and will explore short-term changes in patient-reported outcomes.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Autologous and Allogeneic patients admitted to E1 for planned HSCT
• Patients with hematologic malignancies requiring HSCT
• No allergies to lavender or peppermint essential oils
• Must have received chemotherapy during preparative regimen (single or multi-agent regimen)
• Adult patient over 18 years of age
• Able to speak, read, and comprehend English
• Willing and capable of providing informed consent

Exclusion Criteria:

• Patients admitted for Chimeric Antigen Receptor T cell (CART) infusion
• Patients receiving a transplant for a germ cell tumor diagnosis
• Unexpected/unplanned admission (e.g., neutropenic fever, confusion, clinical deterioration)
• Immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) grade 1 through 4
• History of scleroderma
• History of atrial fibrillation
• Known history of G6PD deficiency
• Allergic to lavender or peppermint essential oils
• Pediatric patient 18 years of age or less
• Unable to speak, read, and comprehend English
• Unwilling or incapable of providing informed consent