Complementary Intervention in Postoperative Care: Aromatherapy's Role in Decreasing Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting

Abstract

Purpose: This study analyzed the efficacy of Post-Ease, a custom essential oil aromatherapy blend, in decreasing postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) and the need for antiemetic drugs in an orthopaedic surgical population. Study Design: This is retrospective cohort study, utilizing electronic health record data pre- and post-implementation of a nurse-driven quality improvement intervention. Methods: The study examined the impact of an inhaled custom blend of essential oils containing lavender, peppermint, ginger and lemon to assist in decreasing PONV and reduce the use of antiemetic medications. Data on the use of antiemetic drugs in pre- and post-intervention periods were analyzed. Findings: Nurses provided the Post-Ease blend 384 times in 2020 to patients as an option before proceeding, if necessary, to antiemetic drugs. The intervention group demonstrated a statistically significant reduction in the number of unique surgical patients’ need for antiemetics as treatment (22%; p = .05). Similarly, the total doses of antiemetics administered was significantly reduced (21%; p ≤ .05) during the study period. Conclusion: This study supports the use of aromatherapy to reduce PONV and minimize antiemetic use in an orthopaedic population.

Efektivitas Aromaterapi pada Pasien Chronic Kidney Disease dengan Keluhan Mual saat Melakukan Hemodialisa di Ruang Hemodialisa RSD dr. Soebandi Jember

“…Pemberian aromaterapi sebagai salah satu terapi non-farmakologis dapat menurunkan skala mual yang dirasakan oleh pasien (Marsh et al, 2022). Minyak esensial yang digunakan untuk aromaterapi adalah cairan hidrofobik yang mengandung molekul aromatik yang mudah menguap yang diekstrak dari tumbuh-tumbuhan, bunga, dan bagian tanaman lainnya (Wang & Heinbockel, 2018).…”

“…Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan adanya penurunan skala intensitas mual yang signifikan sebelum diberikan intervensi dan setelah diberikan intervensi. Hal ini sejalan dengan penelitian yang dilakukan oleh Marsh et al (2022) bahwasanya aromaterapi dapat digunakan sebagai terapi non-farmakologis karena efeknya dengan signifikan menurunkan rasa mual dan menurunkan tingkat pemberian obat antiemetik pada pasien.…”

Aromatherapy with oil of Lavandula angustifolia for pain in women: scoping review

“…Essential oils used in aromatherapy are substances with high structural diversity and multicomponents derived from secondary metabolism of aromatic plants, volatile, with effects on the nervous, immune, musculoskeletal, and respiratory systems, being used topically and/or by inhalation 2,7 . Aromatherapy with essential oils, including lavender, has been used in hospital and outpatient settings to reduce pain, anxiety, nausea, and vomiting, among others 3,[8][9][10] . Thus, there is an opportunity to expand the strategies for adequate pain control by nurses together with the interdisciplinary team.…”

Aromaterapia com óleo essencial de Lavandula angustifolia para dor em mulheres: revisão de escopo

“…Os óleos essenciais utilizados na aromaterapia constituem-se de substâncias com alta diversidade estrutural e multicomponentes derivados do metabolismo secundário das plantas aromáticas, voláteis, possuindo efeitos sobre os sistemas nervoso, imunológico, musculoesquelético e respiratório, sendo utilizados por via tópica e/ ou inalatória 2,7 . A aromaterapia com óleos essenciais, incluindo o de lavanda, tem sido utilizada nos ambientes hospitalares e ambulatoriais para redução de dor, ansiedade, náuseas e vômitos, dentre outros 3,[8][9][10] . Dessa forma, verifica-se a oportunidade de ampliação das estratégias para o adequado controle da dor por enfermeiros em conjunto com a equipe interdisciplinar.…”