Study of Aromatherapy Inhaler to Reduce Distress in Adults Undergoing Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant

What this Trial Is About

Patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation HCT often face high levels of distress and other symptoms during the early inpatient period. Researchers are studying the use of an inhaled aromatherapy stick to see if it is feasible and acceptable for patients during this acute phase. The study also aims to explore whether aromatherapy use is linked to short-term changes in distress related to cancer and patients confidence in coping. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups. One group receives standard supportive inpatient care without aromatherapy. The other group receives standard care plus education on how to use an aromatherapy inhaler and an aromatherapy stick for self-administered inhalation. Aromatherapy use is targeted to occur on a specific day shortly after transplant Transplant Day 1, 2, or 3 and is tracked with a use log. The total exposure time is limited to a maximum of two hours but participants can choose how to distribute use. During the study, participants complete patient-reported measures of cancer distress and coping self-efficacy at baseline and follow-up. Researchers collect data on aromatherapy use and experience through logs and evaluation forms. The study is conducted during the inpatient period shortly after transplant, with follow-up assessments occurring within a few days after aromatherapy use. Overall participation lasts during this acute transplant hospitalization phase with measurements focused on early outcomes and patient experience.

Aromatherapy Inhaler Use for HSCT Distress