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Research: BRADEN and COLLEAGUES,
Listed in Issue 188
Abstract
BRADEN and COLLEAGUES, United Hospital, St Paul, MN, USA investigated whether the essential oil lavandin is more effective than standard care in reducing preoperative anxiety.
Background
Preoperative anxiety is prevalent in surgical patients who may require anxiety medications, thus impacting preoperative teaching and patient satisfaction. No studies were found in a comprehensive search on the effect of essential oils on anxiety in the preoperative setting. The purpose of this experimental study was to investigate whether the essential oil lavandin is more effective than standard care in reducing preoperative anxiety.
Methodology
A convenience sample of 150 adult patients were randomly assigned to either control (standard care), experimental (standard care plus essential oil lavandin), or sham (standard care plus jojoba oil) groups. Visual analog scales were used to assess anxiety on admission and OR transfer.
Results
Controlling for baseline anxiety and pain, the lavandin group had significantly lower anxiety on OR transfer, suggesting that lavandin is a simple, low-risk, cost-effective intervention with the potential to improve preoperative outcomes and increase patient satisfaction.
Conclusion
Future studies should test the effects of lavandin in the postoperative phase and in specific populations with documented high anxiety.
References
Braden R, Reichow S and Halm MA. The use of the essential oil lavandin to reduce preoperative anxiety in surgical patients. Journal of PeriAnesthesia Nursing. 24(6): 348-55. Dec 2009.
