Aromatherapy Inhaler Use for Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplant Patient Distress

What this Trial Is About

This trial focuses on patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) who often experience high distress during the early inpatient period. Researchers are evaluating whether using an inhaled aromatherapy stick during this acute phase is feasible and acceptable. The study also explores short-term changes in patient-reported cancer-related distress and coping confidence. 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 using an aromatherapy inhaler and an aromatherapy stick for self-administered inhalation, targeted for Transplant Day +1, +2, or +3. Aromatherapy use is recorded with a log and limited to a maximum total exposure time of two hours. During the study, participants report their distress levels using the NCCN Distress Thermometer and coping self-efficacy with a modified Cancer Behavior Inventory. Aromatherapy use and experience are tracked through logs and evaluations. Measurements are taken at baseline and at study completion, which occurs between Transplant Day +2 and +6, depending on timing. The study monitors these outcomes to assess feasibility, acceptability, and short-term patient-reported effects over a few days after transplant.

Aromatherapy Inhaler Use for HSCT Distress