Perceived Barriers to Administration of Aromatherapy in Nurses Caring for Pediatric Patients With Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting: An Evidence-based Practice Project

Abstract

Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is prevalent among surgical patients, causing hospitalizations, extended stays, and patient dissatisfaction. Children are twice as likely to experience PONV than adult patients. Complementary therapy holds promise for PONV treatment but meets clinical use barriers. We explored perioperative nurses' perceived barriers to the use of complementary aromatherapy. Presurvey and postsurveys assessed nurses' (n = 27) knowledge and barriers to aromatherapy use before and after an educational in-service. Primary PONV treatment involved antiemetics. Barriers to aromatherapy included product availability, caregiver refusal, and patient-specific factors. Post-in-service, the nurses felt more familiar with aromatherapy and inclined to use it. Increased education and guidelines on aromatherapy promote its incorporation into clinical practice. Institutional policies addressing the selection, administration, documentation, and monitoring of aromatherapy should be established to ensure the consistency and standardization of its use.