Lavender Aromatherapy to Reduce Anxiety Levels in Brain, Head and Neck and Breast Patients during Their CT Simulation Appointment for Radiation Therapy

Abstract

As the demand for conformal Radiation Therapy treatments increase, the extent of immobilization also increases. However, there is a relationship between the confines of immobilization and anxiety. During CT simulation appointments when immobilization devices are made, experience has proven that increased anxiety levels not only increases patient distress but it also results in prolonged appointment times. This study will investigate whether the use of Lavender scented aromatherapy tabs would decrease anxiety levels in patients during their CT simulation appointments. Between the Fraser Valley Centre and the Centre of the North, a sample size of 100 patients will be utilized which consists of radical brain, head and neck, and breast patients. The level of anxiety will be measured during the teaching portion of the CT simulation appointment, after which patients will be randomized into either the experimental or control group. The experimental group will receive a lavender scented aromatherapy tab, and the control group will receive the aromatherapy tab with the scent portion removed. We will measure anxiety levels using a short questionnaire and collect a pulse rate before, during and after the CT simulation appointment. Pending study results, we can establish lavender aromatherapy tabs as procedure for anxious patients before resorting to prescription medication. This would apply to all patients, not just the groups identified in our study population. Prospectively, we can provide the Radiation Therapy units with a supply of lavender aromatherapy tabs so that they can be used throughout treatment, not only during the CT simulation appointment to help decrease anxiety levels. We hope to improve patient experiences by decreasing the anxiety during CT Simulation, and in the future, Radiation Therapy treatments. Not only will this decrease patient distress, but also shorten CT simulation times for anxious patients. In the future, given the effectiveness of this study, we hope to implement this support mechanism in other centres across British Columbia.