Aromatherapy and Its Impact on Preoperative Anxiety, Postoperative Pain, and Patient Experience

Aromatherapy's Impact on Preoperative Anxiety, Postoperative Pain, and Patient Experience

Introduction

Surgery often results in increased levels of anxiety and postoperative pain. Postoperative pain relief is typically treated with opioids. However, evidence shows that treatment with opioids alone is often insufficient to provide adequate levels of pain relief and can contribute to the growing opioid crisis. Alternative pain management strategies that combine narcotic medication with complementary therapies can improve comfort as well as decrease preoperative anxiety. Aromatherapy is an evidence-based complementary therapy used to decrease preoperative anxiety and postoperative pain that has been underutilized in ambulatory surgical centers. This study aimed to evaluate the impact Aromatherapy has as an anxiety and pain management strategy. Subsequently, evidence also supports that improving the patient experience can lead to better surgical outcomes.

Study Aim

This study will examine the effect that aromatherapy has on preoperative anxiety, postoperative pain and patient experience

Study Question(s):

In perioperative patients at Kaiser Stockton Ambulatory Surgery Unit, how does aromatherapy, compared with standard practice, affect preoperative anxiety?

In perioperative patients at Kaiser Stockton Ambulatory Surgery Unit, how does aromatherapy, compared with standard practice, affect postoperative pain?

In perioperative patients at Kaiser Stockton Ambulatory Surgery Unit, how does aromatherapy, compared with standard practice, affect patient experience?

Study Method: Prospective Experimental Randomized Control Clinical Trial

Study Duration: 18 months

Study Process: The participants will be recruited through their Pre-surgery interview, at which time a brief explanation will be given on aromatherapy, its potential to reduce preoperative anxiety and postoperative pain, and increase the patient experience. The study design and protocol will also be described. Should the participants elect to participate in this study, they will be randomly assigned using a computer program. Upon arrival for surgery, informed consent will be obtained. Anxiety and pain will be assessed for pre- and post- intervention and just before transferring to the operating room (OR). Upon arrival to the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), pain will be assessed in 15-minute intervals until discharge. Anxiety will be reassessed at discharge. Experience will be assessed 2 weeks after discharge.

Data Analysis

A one-way Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) will be used to assess the impact of aromatherapy on pain, anxiety, and satisfaction.

Conclusions

This study aims to add to the body of knowledge of how the incorporation of aromatherapy can impact patient outcomes.