Lavender aromatherapy: Examining the effects of lavender oil patches on patients in the hematology-oncology setting

BACKGROUND: Lavender aromatherapy treatment has been used for the general inpatient population to promote relaxation during hospitalization; however, limited research has been conducted on its efficacy with an inpatient hematology-oncology population. OBJECTIVES: The purpose of this mixed-methods study was to determine the feasibility of wearable overnight lavender aromatherapy skin patches as a patient-directed nursing intervention for 40 patients on an inpatient hematology-oncology unit. METHODS: Data were collected during a two-month period using the Lavender Satisfaction Assessment and the Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7) scale. Patient demographics and open-ended responses were also collected. FINDINGS: After implementing the overnight aromatherapy patches, about half of the participants reported an absence of anxiety or measurable anxiety symptoms, and participants perceived better sleep quality and duration. The results indicate that a nurse- and patient-driven aromatherapy intervention can improve the quality of care on an inpatient hematology-oncology unit.