258 - Healing Aromas: Enhancing The Surgical Experience Through Scent

Description: **AORN Guidelines for Perioperative Practice: Complementary Care**

**Clinical Problem/Significance**
Aromatherapy is commonly used in the perioperative setting to reduce patient anxiety and nausea. However, the current use of adhesive aromatherapy patches presents challenges: they frequently detach from gowns, are discarded prematurely in the OR, and cost $2.80 each, leading to waste and increased costs.

**Background**
Aromatherapy has been shown to improve patient comfort and satisfaction. At our facility, patches were the standard delivery method. However, staff observed frequent loss of patches during gown removal, resulting in inconsistent patient exposure and unnecessary expense. An alternative, cost-effective, and sustainable solution was needed.

**Clinical Question**
In surgical patients receiving aromatherapy, how does the use of branded, reusable inhalers compared to adhesive patches affect cost, patient satisfaction, and continuity of aromatherapy use?
**Description of Evidence-Based Protocol**
The new protocol replaced adhesive patches with branded aromatherapy inhalers. These inhalers:
-Cost $1.10 each (vs. $2.80 for each patch)
-Last 3–6 months
-Are labeled with the hospital's name and logo
-Are sent home with patients for continued therapy use if needed
The protocol emphasized patient education, staff training, and integration into preoperative workflows.

**Implementation of Evidence-Based Protocol**
The protocol was piloted over a 6-week period in the preoperative holding area. Staff were trained on the new inhaler use and instructed to offer them during pre-op and post-op assessments. Patients were encouraged to keep the inhalers post-discharge. Data on cost, patient feedback, and staff observations were collected.

**Results**
-Cost savings: 60% reduction in aromatherapy supply costs
-Patient satisfaction: 93% of patients preferred the inhaler and appreciated taking it home
-Sustainability: Reduced waste and improved continuity of care
-Staff feedback: Reported easier application and fewer disruptions during gown removal

**Conclusions/Discussion**
Switching to branded aromatherapy inhalers improved patient experience, reduced waste, and significantly lowered costs. The inhalers also served as a positive branding tool for the hospital and supported continuity of care beyond the perioperative setting.

**Perioperative Nursing Implications**
Perioperative nurses are key to identifying practical, patient-centered improvements. This project demonstrates how small changes in practice—guided by evidence and frontline feedback—can lead to meaningful improvements in patient care, cost efficiency, and sustainability.