Quality Improvement Project Utilizing Aromatherapy for the Treatment of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting

Abstract

Abstract

Background/Purpose: Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is a prominent patient dissatisfier after surgery which can negatively impact a patient’s recovery and satisfaction. Aromatherapy utilization has historically been regarded as a holistic Eastern therapy and less as a helpful adjunct to traditional Western medication. The literature surrounding aromatherapy has shown effectiveness and positive patient experience as an adjunctive therapy to help combat PONV. However, it is an overlooked therapy often underutilized compared to traditional antiemetic medications in the postoperative setting. This DNP project aimed to conduct a quality improvement educational workshop to see if education on this therapy would lead to improved knowledge and use of aromatherapy in the clinical setting. Method: This quality improvement project was conducted at McLaren Flint Hospital. Education was provided to the anesthesia and postoperative nursing staff. A pretest and posttest design was utilized to assess change in knowledge and attitudes involving the utilization of aromatherapy. These tests included six knowledge-based multiple-choice questions and four subjective questions utilizing a 5-point Likert scale and fill-in-the-blank to assess the practitioners' attitudes and perceptions on using aromatherapy to manage and prevent PONV. The data obtained from these tests were compiled and submitted into SPSS software to assess the statistical significance of the education provided. Results: A total of 25 staff members who received the education submitted tests. The results indicated that an increase of knowledge occurred between the pretest (Mean = 3.8, SD = 1.06) and the posttest (Mean = 5.6, SD = .76), Z = -4.16, P<.001) for the knowledge-based questions. When participants were asked how likely they would utilize aromatherapy as a first-line therapy to treat nausea in the hospital setting, there was an increase in mean scores from the pretest (2.88) to the posttest (3.84) with a Wilcoxon signed rank test (p =.002). Although the educational workshop showed improved knowledge and attitude scores, the usage of aromatherapy decreased within the timeframe (two months before education vs. two months after). Discussion/Conclusion: This project suggests that education on aromatherapy increases knowledge and improves attitudes/perceptions toward its beneficial use for PONV in the clinical setting. This project signifies that further education is warranted to increase the use and adaptability of aromatherapy in the postoperative environment.