Essential Oil Patches for Nursing Staff Burnout

Overseen By Rachel G. Blier, MSN,RN

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Trial Phase: Academic

Sponsor: Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center

Disqualifiers: Pregnancy, Breastfeeding

No Placebo Group All trial participants will receive the active study treatment (no placebo)

Compensation: Varies

Number of Visits: 6

Duration: 4 weeks

20 Participants Needed

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?

The purpose of this clinical study is to compare the use of an essential oil inhalation patch in medical surgical nurses on perceived burn-out and stress. The main question is can essential oil inhalation patches decrease perceived burn-out and stress. Participants will * Take part in the study over 30 days, alternating weeks, resulting in each participant using six patches over six shifts. * Complete anonymous Perceived Stress Survey (PSS) before the study begins and at the conclusion of the study. * Participants will also complete a (different) survey after two weeks.

Will I have to stop taking my current medications?

The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.

How is the essential oil patch treatment for nursing staff burnout different from other treatments?

The essential oil patch treatment is unique because it involves inhalation of essential oils through a patch, which is a novel method compared to traditional aromatherapy or topical applications. This approach allows for continuous exposure to the oils, potentially providing a more consistent therapeutic effect for reducing burnout and stress among nursing staff. ^{1 2 3 4 5}

Research Team

Rachel G. Blier, MSN,RN

Principal Investigator

DHMC

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for full-time nurses, LPNs, or LNAs aged 18+ working on specific inpatient units. It's not open to those who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy.

Inclusion Criteria

I work full-time as a Nurse, LPN, or LNA on L3WD and L4WC.

Exclusion Criteria

Pregnant/breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant

Timeline

Screening

Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial

1 week

Treatment

Participants use essential oil inhalation patches over 30 days, alternating weeks, with six patches used over six shifts

4 weeks

6 shifts (in-person)

Follow-up

Participants complete the Perceived Stress Survey (PSS) before and after the study, and an additional survey after two weeks

4 weeks

Treatment Details

Interventions

• Oil Inhalation Patch

Trial Overview The study tests if essential oil inhalation patches can reduce burn-out and stress in medical-surgical nurses over a period of 30 days with surveys before, during, and after patch use.

Participant Groups

Group I: Essential Oil Ptach Experimental Treatment 1 Intervention

The nursing staff will wear an essential oil patch for 2 weeks.

Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?

Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center

Lead Sponsor

Trials

548

Recruited

2,545,000+

References

1. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effect of inhaled essential oils on mental exhaustion and moderate burnout: a small pilot study. [2021]

2. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effect of essential oils on work-related stress in intensive care unit nurses. [2008]

3. Netherlands pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Use of aromatherapy to promote a therapeutic nurse environment. [2021]

4. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

The effect of Aromatherapy with Pelargonium graveolens (P. graveolens) on the fatigue and sleep quality of critical care nurses during the Covid-19 pandemic: A randomized controlled trial. [2023]

5. United States pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov

Effects of Short-Term Inhalation of Patchouli Oil on Professional Quality of Life and Stress Levels in Emergency Nurses: A Randomized Controlled Trial. [2021]