Determining the Efficacy of Essential Oil Aromatherapy in Children Undergoing Port Access

Determining the Efficacy of Essential Oil Aromatherapy in Children Undergoing Port Access

The purpose of this study is to determine if the use of aromatherapy impacts patient anxiety and pain scores surrounding port access in pediatric oncology patients between the ages of 4 years and 18 years.

Specific aims include the following:

Aim 1: To compare pre and post port access anxiety scores for both control and intervention groups.

Aim 2: To assess pre and post port pain scores surrounding port access for both control and intervention groups.

Aim 3: To compare pain and anxiety scores between age groups. The overall goal of this pilot study is to identify if aromatherapy, using non-topical, STILL QuickTAB Medipack blended scent aromatherapy, manufactured by Soothing Scents, is effective as a valid non-pharmacologic supplementation in reducing anxiety and pain scores during port access in pediatric oncology patients.

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Children between 4 years and 18 years
2. Scheduled for port access with or without lab draw
3. Oncology, neuro-oncology, and stem cell transplant patients

Exclusion Criteria:

1. has asthma, reactive airway disease, or allergies to any of the ingredients we are using in the aromatherapy study (lavender, bergamot, sweet orange, and ylang ylang)
2. currently uses aromatherapy for port accesses or other painful procedures (does not apply to patients using aromatherapy, such as peppermint oil, for nausea)
3. has a cognitive impairment that prevents them from being able to provide anxiety or pain scores
4. does not wish to participate in the study