Research: GOK and COLLEAGUES,

Listed in Issue 251

Abstract

GOK and COLLEAGUES, 1. Research Assistant, Hacettepe University Faculty of Nursing, Internal Medicine Nursing Department, Ankara, Turkey; 2. Associate Professor, Hacettepe University Faculty of Nursing, Internal Medicine Nursing Department, Ankara, Turkey; 3. Medical Doctor, Gazi University Faculty of Medicine, Endocrinology Department, Ankara, Turkey conducted an open-label randomized controlled clinical study to assess the effects of aromatherapy massage on neuropathic pain severity and quality of life (QoL) in patients suffering from diabetic neuropathy.

Background

This study aimed to examine the effects of aromatherapy massage on neuropathic pain severity and quality of life (QoL) in patients suffering from painful diabetic neuropathy.

Methodology

This open-label randomized controlled clinical study was conducted in a university hospital endocrine outpatient clinic in Turkey. The study sample consisted of 46 patients, randomly allocated to an intervention group (n = 21) and a control group (n = 25). The intervention group received aromatherapy massage three times per week for a period of 4 weeks. The control group received only routine care. Data were collected from patients using the Douleur Neuropathique questionnaire, the visual analog scale, and the Neuropathic Pain Impact on Quality of Life questionnaire.

Results

Neuropathic pain scores significantly decreased in the intervention group compared with the control group in the fourth week of the study. Similarly, QoL scores significantly improved in the intervention group in the fourth week of the study.

Conclusion

Aromatherapy massage is a simple and effective nonpharmacological nursing intervention that can be used to manage neuropathic pain and improve QoL in patients with painful neuropathy. Clinical Relevance: Aromatherapy massage is a well-tolerated, feasible, and safe nonpharmacological method that can be readily integrated into clinical settings by nursing staff. The essential oils rosemary, geranium, lavender, eucalyptus, and chamomile can be safely used by nurses in the clinical setting, if applicable. However, training and experience of nurses in aromatherapy massage is critical to achieving positive results.

References

Gok Metin Z1, Arikan Donmez A1, Izgu N1, Ozdemir L2, Arslan IE3. Aromatherapy Massage for Neuropathic Pain and Quality of Life in Diabetic Patients. J Nurs Scholarsh. 49(4): 379-388. Jul 2017. doi: 10.1111/jnu.12300. Epub Jun 12 2017.

Comment

The above research demonstrated a significant decrease in neuropathic pain in the treatment group compared with the control group with aromatherapy massage, suggested that may be a clinical intervention to manage pain and improve Quality of Life.

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