Exploration of Aromatherapy in a Pediatric Outpatient Surgical Setting: A Pilot Study

Abstract

To explore whether an aromatherapy product, QueaseEASE, could be used to supplement standard postoperative nursing care for children experiencing discomfort from postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) in a pediatric outpatient surgical setting. Evidence-based practice project resulting in a prospective, descriptive research design. English-speaking pediatric outpatient surgical patients 8 to 17 years of age were evaluated for symptoms of discomfort during the postoperative phase of care, using the Baxter Animated Retching Faces (BARF) scale and offered the QueaseEASE aromatherapy product. A postoperative phone call was made the next business day to inquire about use of product at home. Thirty-one patients rated their BARF scores as four or greater and were qualified to use the aromatherapy pod. Twenty-four patients (77.4%) demonstrated a positive response to the aromatherapy, as evidenced by a BARF score improvement of 2 or more points upon reassessment. Fourteen of the 27 patients (51.8%) contacted at home during the postoperative phone call stated continued use of the aromatherapy pod, and 100% of the families were satisfied with this adjunct therapy. Aromatherapy resulted in an improvement in self-reported nausea scores in a pediatric surgical outpatient population and was a family satisfier. Further research is recommended.