Aromatherapy massage seems effective in critically ill children: an observational before-after study.

ABSTRACT: Children treated in a pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) are at risk of distress and pain. This study investigated if aromatherapy massage can reduce children's distress and improve comfort. This observational before-after study was performed in a 22-bed PICU in Cape Town, South Africa. The aromatherapy massage consisted of soft massaging using the "M-technique" and a 1% blend of essential oils of Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia), German Chamomile (Matricatia recutita) and Neroli (Citrus aurantium) mixed with a grapeseed carrier oil. All present children were eligible, except those who had recently returned, were asleep or deemed unstable. The primary outcome was distress measured with the COMFORT-Behavior scale (COMFORT-B). Secondary outcomes were heart rate, oxyge

SUBMITTER: van der Heijden MJE 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC9189908 | biostudies-literature | 2022 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature