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Recommended Citation
Tiscareno E, Saam T, Chevere A. Using Aromatherapy to Reduce Post-op Nausea and Vomiting in Day Surgery. Evidence Based Practice poster presented at Transforming Practice: The Intersection of Technology and Nursing Excellence; Advocate Health Nursing Research and Professional Development Conference 2025; November 12, 2025; Virtual.
Presentation Notes
Evidence Based Practice poster presented at Transforming Practice: The Intersection of Technology and Nursing Excellence; Advocate Health Nursing Research and Professional Development Conference 2025; November 12, 2025; Virtual.
Abstract
Background
Research has shown that 30% of surgical patients experience post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) or more with risk factors. Aromatherapy has some benefit for PONV when used as an adjunct to standard perioperative care. Question: (P) For adult day surgery patients, (I) does aromatherapy, (C) compared with standard prophylaxis, (0) reduce the incidence and severity of PONV (T) during a three-month pilot?
Purpose
To evaluate the incidence of PONV and impact of offering patients access to aromatherapy an adjunct to standard PONV prophylaxis.
Implementation Plan
Day Surgery nurses led the project in collaboration with anesthesia and surgery teams. Literature was searched using CINAHL, MEDLINE, and Cochrane databases for evidence between 2018-2023. The department currently screens for PONV risk factors and administers prophylactic anti-emetic therapy. Evidence and system policy were used to create an evidence-based procedure to implement aromatherapy during recovery. A Patient Information Sheet was used to inform preoperative patients and offer aromatherapy. Staff were trained to administer aromatherapy (approved lavender/peppermint oil on a cotton ball). A paper form was used to collect data about risks, care, symptoms, aromatherapy and medication use with analysis using descriptive statistics.
Outcomes
Aromatherapy was offered to patients (N=716) with 47% expressing interest. Patient age averaged 54+18 years (range 18-95), 50.4% female. Anti-emetics were given preoperative to 57% of patients based on risks and 82% during surgery. Most (83%) patients did not report any PONV. Some (12%) reported mild symptoms; Fewer than 5% reported moderate/severe symptoms, Aromatherapy was used by 21 postoperative patients, All had PONV risks and received anti-emetic during surgery or in recovery.
Implications for practice
The PONV prophylaxis program at the hospital was effective with PONV incidence at 17%, well below the reported rate. Aromatherapy was used by a small number of patients with limited benefit above existing care.
Document Type
Poster
Publication Date
11-12-2025
Using Aromatherapy to Reduce Post-op Nausea and Vomiting in Day Surgery
Background
Research has shown that 30% of surgical patients experience post-operative nausea and vomiting (PONV) or more with risk factors. Aromatherapy has some benefit for PONV when used as an adjunct to standard perioperative care. Question: (P) For adult day surgery patients, (I) does aromatherapy, (C) compared with standard prophylaxis, (0) reduce the incidence and severity of PONV (T) during a three-month pilot?
Purpose
To evaluate the incidence of PONV and impact of offering patients access to aromatherapy an adjunct to standard PONV prophylaxis.
Implementation Plan
Day Surgery nurses led the project in collaboration with anesthesia and surgery teams. Literature was searched using CINAHL, MEDLINE, and Cochrane databases for evidence between 2018-2023. The department currently screens for PONV risk factors and administers prophylactic anti-emetic therapy. Evidence and system policy were used to create an evidence-based procedure to implement aromatherapy during recovery. A Patient Information Sheet was used to inform preoperative patients and offer aromatherapy. Staff were trained to administer aromatherapy (approved lavender/peppermint oil on a cotton ball). A paper form was used to collect data about risks, care, symptoms, aromatherapy and medication use with analysis using descriptive statistics.
Outcomes
Aromatherapy was offered to patients (N=716) with 47% expressing interest. Patient age averaged 54+18 years (range 18-95), 50.4% female. Anti-emetics were given preoperative to 57% of patients based on risks and 82% during surgery. Most (83%) patients did not report any PONV. Some (12%) reported mild symptoms; Fewer than 5% reported moderate/severe symptoms, Aromatherapy was used by 21 postoperative patients, All had PONV risks and received anti-emetic during surgery or in recovery.
Implications for practice
The PONV prophylaxis program at the hospital was effective with PONV incidence at 17%, well below the reported rate. Aromatherapy was used by a small number of patients with limited benefit above existing care.
Affiliations
Advocate Good Samaritan Hospital