Revista de Anestesiología Clínica: Acceso Abierto

Aromatherapy can Reduce Incidence of Anxiety in Ambulatory Surgery Patients: A Pilot Study

Abstract

Kushee-Nidhi Kumar*, Ambreen Alam, Anna Ng Pellegrino, Vikas Yellapu

Purpose: The aim of the study is to evaluate the effectiveness of lavender aromatherapy on patients undergoing outpatient surgery to reduce anxiety scores, improve patient’s vital signs, and reduce the use of anti-anxiety medications.

Methods: Vital signs and anxiety scores were documented before and after 30 minutes of lavender aromatherapy in perioperative area. Patients’ interest in anti-anxiety medication before surgery, and patient experience with the aromatherapy was also assessed.

Findings: 75% of patients reported a decrease in their anxiety score number and 57% reported a decrease in anxiety range 30 minutes after the start of aromatherapy. 39% of patients saw a reduction in the Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) by 10 units or more and 31% saw a reduction in heart rate by 10 units or more after aromatherapy use (p values<<0.05). 22% of patients did not require an anxiolytic medication prior to entering the OR (Operating Room). 55% of patients returned surveys back with mainly positive feedback about the project.

Conclusions: Lavender aromatherapy proves to be an effective method in reducing anxiety scores, improving patient’s vital signs, and reducing use of anti-anxiety medications among patients undergoing outpatient surgery.