School of Nursing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Kowloon, Hong Kong.
Department of Child Education, Elderly and Community Services, Institute of Vocational Education (Shatin), Shatin, Hong Kong.
J Clin Nurs. 2017 Dec;26(23-24):4519-4526. doi: 10.1111/jocn.13784. Epub 2017 Jun 5.
To explore the experiences towards aromatherapy massage use, and to examine the perceived benefits and adverse effects of aromatherapy massage among adult female cancer patients.
A qualitative research design was used. Fifteen women with cancer were recruited for semi-structured interviews. Sample recruitment was undertaken through cancer self-help groups and referrals of a private aromatherapy clinic by convenience sampling. The interview data were analysed by thematic analysis.
All participants had a positive experience towards aromatherapy massage. The perceived benefits of aromatherapy massage included physical and psychological dimensions: overall comfort, relaxation, reduced pain, muscular tension, lymphoedema and numbness, improved sleep, energy level, appetite and mood. Interestingly, a few participants reported that aromatherapy massage helped to enhance self-acceptance and coping with their altered torso. No adverse effects were reported. The findings focused on four main themes that emerged: (i) an immediate effect that brings all-round comfort and reconnection to daily life; (ii) a pleasurable moment to forget the disease with aroma as a booster; (iii) a pampering experience of being cared for with a sense of dignity preserved; and (iv) communicating with the failing body.
This study contributed by providing a better understanding in aromatherapy massage from female cancer patients' perspective which adds to the existing body of knowledge. The implications for nursing practice, education and future research were suggested.
Aromatherapy massage seems to have both physical and psychological benefits for women with cancer. The findings elucidated a wide range of benefits that are perceived in such complex intervention, and the contextual factors that may influence these perceived benefits. This will inform future nurse-led quantitative research in the clinical setting. The study highlights the importance of touch towards a caring relationship and the provision of cancer care with a gender-specific approach. Exploring of the lived experience of aromatherapy massage and its meaning enables the healthcare professionals to gain insights into the needs, preferences and values for cancer care among female cancer population. While nurses play a crucial role in collaborating with cancer patients in the choice of CAM therapies, nurses should advise them to attend practising aromatherapists with recognised training and competency who should be members of aromatherapy professional associations. As aromatherapy is an unregulated profession, nurses may also advise oncology patients on the international guideline and institutional policies for aromatherapy massage use in the hospital setting. Nurses may broaden the caring repertoire by expanding their knowledge and skills in aromatherapy massage such as understanding the basic essential oils pharmacology, massage skills and therapy efficacy for symptoms management in cancer care. Oncology clinicians and nurses should support and guide patients' decision in the use of aromatherapy massage by providing evidence-based and comprehensive advice on the potential benefits, risks and related safety issues.
探索成年女性癌症患者对芳香疗法按摩的体验，并研究他们对芳香疗法按摩的感知益处和不良反应。
采用定性研究设计。通过癌症自助小组和私人芳香疗法诊所的转介，方便抽样招募了 15 名癌症女性。对访谈数据进行主题分析。
所有参与者对芳香疗法按摩均有积极体验。芳香疗法按摩的感知益处包括身体和心理层面：整体舒适、放松、减轻疼痛、肌肉紧张、淋巴水肿和麻木、改善睡眠、能量水平、食欲和情绪。有趣的是，一些参与者报告说，芳香疗法按摩有助于增强自我接受和应对身体变化的能力。没有报告不良反应。研究结果集中在四个主要主题上：（i）带来全方位舒适和重新连接日常生活的即时效果；（ii）用香气作为助推器，享受忘记疾病的愉悦时刻；（iii）在保留尊严的情况下，享受被呵护的体验；以及（iv）与衰竭的身体进行沟通。
本研究通过从女性癌症患者的角度提供对芳香疗法按摩的更好理解，为现有知识体系做出了贡献。本研究提出了对护理实践、教育和未来研究的启示。
芳香疗法按摩似乎对女性癌症患者具有身体和心理上的益处。研究结果阐明了这种复杂干预措施中感知到的广泛益处，以及可能影响这些感知益处的背景因素。这将为未来在临床环境中进行护士主导的定量研究提供信息。本研究强调了触摸对关怀关系的重要性，以及以性别为导向的癌症护理的重要性。探索芳香疗法按摩的体验及其意义，使医疗保健专业人员能够深入了解女性癌症患者的需求、偏好和价值观。虽然护士在与癌症患者合作选择 CAM 疗法方面发挥着关键作用，但护士应建议他们向接受过认可培训和能力认证的执业芳香疗法师寻求帮助，这些执业芳香疗法师应是芳香疗法专业协会的成员。由于芳香疗法是一个不受监管的行业，护士还可以为癌症患者提供有关国际指南和机构政策的建议，以在医院环境中使用芳香疗法按摩。护士可以通过扩展他们在芳香疗法按摩方面的知识和技能来扩大关怀范围，例如了解基本精油药理学、按摩技巧和治疗效果，以管理癌症护理中的症状。肿瘤临床医生和护士应通过提供潜在益处、风险和相关安全问题的循证和综合建议，支持和指导患者使用芳香疗法按摩的决策。
