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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2024 Sep 1;54(9):54-60.
doi: 10.1097/NSG.0000000000000060. Epub 2024 Aug 23.

Impact of aromatherapy on anxiety among ICU nurses: A randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled trial

Sandra Hubbard  1 , Kalyn O'conner, Ellen Rachel Lockhart, Kimberly Ferren Carter, Ellen Harvey
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Impact of aromatherapy on anxiety among ICU nurses: A randomized, blinded, placebo-controlled trial

Sandra Hubbard et al. Nursing. .

Abstract

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of aromatherapy with an essential oil blend containing lavender, bergamot, ylang-ylang, and sweet orange, compared with placebo, on perceptions of anxiety in ICU RNs.

Methods: Nurses recruited from six adult ICUs and a neonatal ICU participated in this blinded, randomized, placebo-controlled study, which took place over a 30-day intervention period.

Results: Although there were no statistically significant changes in anxiety pre- to postintervention or between the intervention and placebo groups, there were also no adverse events or untoward effects.

Conclusion: The results of this study may support aromatherapy as an evidence-based strategy to reduce anxiety in ICU nurses. Additional research is needed.

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References

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