{
  "abstract": "Background Aromatherapy is commonly used in palliative care to alleviate common symptoms (Stringer, Donald. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2011;17(2):116-21; Toniolo, Delaide, Beloni. J Altern Complement Med. 2021;27(12):1058-1069; Hedigan, Sheridan, Sasse. Complement Ther Clin Pract. 2023;52:101750). However, aromatherapy and the use of Aroma Sticks (A-S) have not been used at the Hospice of the Valleys since aromatherapy qualified complementary therapists have left the organisation and not been replaced.Aims To assess the merit of reintroducing Aroma Sticks to Hospice of the Valleys.Method The current complementary therapist is not a qualified aromatherapist, however, the complementary therapist arranged for an experienced aromatherapist to manufacture five different Aroma Sticks (sleep, calm, energy, breathe and digestion) and provide comprehensive training for seven hospice staff. The Aroma Sticks assessment ran for 12 weeks. A feedback form with a simple scoring system was employed to gather data.Results A total of 40 Aroma Sticks were issued; 14 were given to help sleep, 11 to calm, nine to improve energy, four to help breathing and two to help digestion.100% feedback was provided from all subjects. Overall, 85% (n=34) of all subjects reported positive benefits, scoring above 3; with 10% (n=4) scoring the top rating. All 11 subjects who were issued the ‘calm’ Aroma Sticks showed the best score, with a 100% positive result. Those reporting very positive benefits said they had experienced immediate benefits. Other comments included feeling grounded, less anxious and feeling calmer, and loved the aroma. In two cases, they were able to reduce medication as a result of using the Aroma Sticks. Sleep, calm and energy Aroma Sticks were most commonly issued and all three showed high scores on the feedback forms.Conclusions Aroma Sticks represent a useful tool for individuals to self-manage their symptoms; they are convenient, safe and effective. It would be recommended that the hospice reintroduce the Aroma Sticks to the service.",
  "authors": [
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Hospice of the Valleys, Ebbw Vale, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Mathew Atkins"
    },
    {
      "affiliations": [
        "Hospice of the Valleys, Ebbw Vale, UK"
      ],
      "name": "Grant Usmar"
    }
  ],
  "title": "P-41 To assess the potential of re-introducing aroma sticks in a clinical setting",
  "uid": "bc6e9ca7-3b3c-5082-b682-98426a15143c"
}