Debra Kerr1, Merril Hegg2, Mohammadreza Mohebbi3. 1. Centre for Quality and Patient Safety, School of Nursing and Midwifery, Deakin University, Faculty of Health, Geelong, Victoria, Australia. 2. Department of Nursing, St John of God Hospital, Geelong, Victoria, Australia. 3. Office of Faculty of Health, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia.
Abstract
PURPOSE: This study examined the effect of EO diffusion in the clinical setting on nurses' mood. DESIGN: Interventional interrupted time series study with two data collection points: prior to, and in the second week of diffusion. METHODS: Self-report questionnaires measured the impact of EO diffusion on nurses' stress, depression, anxiety, distress, and mood. Three EOs (Citrus Bliss, Grapefruit, Wild Orange) were diffused in 2-week blocks, with a 1-week wash-out period. Descriptive statistics and paired sample t test were performed. RESULTS: A paired sample was returned for 39 participants. There were significant improvements after diffusion of Citrus Bliss for stress (mean difference [MD]: 2.58; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.82, 4.35), depression (MD: 1.83; 95% CI: 0.03, 3.64), distress (MD: 2.39; 95% CI: 0.58, 4.19) and mood (MD: 4.89; 95% CI: 0.52, 9.27). A large effect (Cohen's d effect >0.80) for depression and distress was observed for nurses who had previously used EOs and those with no reported external stressors. CONCLUSION: Diffusion of citrus EOs in the clinical setting positively affected nurses' mood. Future studies could also explore effect for patients and visitors.
PURPOSE: This study examined the effect of EO diffusion in the clinical setting on nurses' mood. DESIGN: Interventional interrupted time series study with two data collection points: prior to, and in the second week of diffusion. METHODS: Self-report questionnaires measured the impact of EO diffusion on nurses' stress, depression, anxiety, distress, and mood. Three EOs (Citrus Bliss, Grapefruit, Wild Orange) were diffused in 2-week blocks, with a 1-week wash-out period. Descriptive statistics and paired sample t test were performed. RESULTS: A paired sample was returned for 39 participants. There were significant improvements after diffusion of Citrus Bliss for stress (mean difference [MD]: 2.58; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.82, 4.35), depression (MD: 1.83; 95% CI: 0.03, 3.64), distress (MD: 2.39; 95% CI: 0.58, 4.19) and mood (MD: 4.89; 95% CI: 0.52, 9.27). A large effect (Cohen's d effect >0.80) for depression and distress was observed for nurses who had previously used EOs and those with no reported external stressors. CONCLUSION: Diffusion of citrus EOs in the clinical setting positively affected nurses' mood. Future studies could also explore effect for patients and visitors.