Date of Award

Summer 6-8-2023

Degree Type

Project

Degree Name

Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP)

Department

Nursing

First Advisor

Regena Spratling

Second Advisor

Margaret Gettis

Abstract

Abstract

Purpose

This project examines perioperative nurses' perceived barriers to using adjunctive aromatherapy for postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) treatment in pediatric patients.

Background

PONV is more prevalent in children than adults. Aromatherapy, a holistic approach using natural oils, has shown promise in treating PONV but faces barriers in clinical practice.

Methods

A mixed-methods evidence-based practice project was conducted at a large urban pediatric hospital in the United States. Pre and post-surveys were administered to evaluate nurses' knowledge and perceived barriers to using adjunctive aromatherapy before and after an educational in-service.

Results

Among 27 perioperative nurses surveyed, antiemetic medications were the primary treatment for PONV. Identified barriers included product availability, caregiver refusal, and patient-specific factors. After the in-service, perceived barriers decreased, and nurses reported greater familiarity with adjunctive aromatherapy and increased likelihood of use.

Conclusion

Increased education promotes the incorporation of adjunctive aromatherapy into clinical practice. To successfully integrate aromatherapy, healthcare organizations should establish oversight teams, staff training, and intervention monitoring. Institutional policies should address product and patient selection, monitoring, and documentation. Implementing these measures ensures consistency, potentially eliminating perceived barriers and promoting aromatherapy use for PONV treatment among nurses.

DOI

https://doi.org/10.57709/35707463

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