This randomized controlled trial will evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of an inhaled aromatherapy stick for patients during the acute inpatient phase after hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) . The study will also explore whether aromatherapy use is associated with short-term changes in patient-reported cancer-related distress and coping self-efficacy.
Patients undergoing hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) commonly experience high levels of distress and other symptoms during the acute inpatient period. Inhaled aromatherapy is a low-burden, patient-directed supportive care strategy that may be feasible to deliver during hospitalization. This randomized, parallel-group study will evaluate the feasibility and acceptability of an aromatherapy inhaler ("aromatherapy stick") during the early post-transplant inpatient period and will explore short-term changes in patient-reported outcomes.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
SUPPORTIVE_CARE
Masking
NONE
Enrollment
50
Participants receive aromatherapy inhaler education and an aromatherapy stick for self-administered inhalation during the early post-transplant inpatient period. Aromatherapy use occurs on the assigned Inhaler Use Day (targeted for Transplant Day +1, +2, or +3) and is documented using an inhaler use log. Total exposure is limited to a maximum of 2 hours.
Participants receive standard inpatient supportive care during the acute post-HCT period. No aromatherapy inhaler is provided.
Stanford University
Stanford, California, United States
RECRUITINGChange in cancer distress (NCCN Distress Thermometer)
Change in NCCN Distress Thermometer score (0-10 visual analog scale). Calculated as follow-up score minus baseline score.
Time frame: Baseline: SOC/Inhaler Use Day (Transplant Day +1, +2, or +3); Follow-up: Study Completion Day (Transplant Day +2, +3, or +4)
Change in cancer coping self-efficacy (Cancer Behavior Inventory-Brief Form, modified)
Change in Cancer Behavior Inventory (Brief Form; modified) total score (Likert-type confidence ratings). Calculated as follow-up score minus baseline score.
Time frame: Baseline: SOC/Inhaler Use Day (Transplant Day +1, +2, or +3); Follow-up: Study Completion Day (Transplant Day +2, +3, or +4)
Aromatherapy Inhaler Use Log (Inhaler Use Log)
Number of aromatherapy inhalations recorded by participants on a paper log during the Inhaler Use Day.
Time frame: 1 day (Inhaler Use Day)
Aromatherapy experience (Final Evaluation of Aromatherapy)
Participant-rated aromatherapy experience using a 5-item Likert-type scale (1 = Terrible, 5 = Neutral, 10 = Exceptional). (Group B only.)
Time frame: Study Completion Day (Transplant Day +4, +5, or +6)
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