Essential Oils for Anxiety Disorders during Electrocautery

Recruiting in Palo Alto (17 mi)

Overseen byMurad Alam, MD

Age: 18+

Sex: Any

Travel: May Be Covered

Time Reimbursement: Varies

Trial Phase: Academic

Waitlist Available

Sponsor: Northwestern University

No Placebo Group

Trial Summary

What is the purpose of this trial?The purpose of this study is to assess whether essential oil aromatherapy could improve or eliminate the smell of burnt flesh from electrocautery and subsequently mitigate patient anxiety and discomfort during dermatologic skin surgery. This is a randomized clinical trial. Approximately 210 electrocautery participants will be randomized to receive sham control/no aromatherapy or aromatherapy. Patients will be asked to complete a questionnaire after completion of the procedure to assess their experience. This study was a pilot study designed to determine the feasibility of this procedure. Subjects currently living in the Chicago metropolitan area and meet inclusion/exclusion criteria will be invited and considered for enrollment.

Eligibility Criteria

This trial is for adults over 18 in good health who are undergoing skin surgery with electrocautery in the Chicago area. They must be able to understand and sign a consent form. People can't join if they can't hold an aromatherapy device during surgery or have communication issues due to language barriers or mental impairment.

Inclusion Criteria

I am scheduled for a skin surgery today that will use electric current.

In good general health as assessed by the investigator

Participants must have the ability to understand and the willingness to sign a written informed consent prior to registration on study

+1 more

Exclusion Criteria

I can communicate and cooperate with the investigator without issues.

Subject unwilling to sign an IRB approved consent form

Surgery site incompatible with the patient holding a handheld aromatherapy device (physician discretion)

Participant Groups

The study is testing whether essential oil aromatherapy can reduce the smell of burnt flesh from electrocautery, aiming to lower patient anxiety and discomfort. Participants will either receive no aroma (sham control) or aromatherapy randomly and then answer a questionnaire about their experience.

2Treatment groups

Experimental Treatment

Placebo Group

Group I: AromatherapyExperimental Treatment1 Intervention

Group II: ShamPlacebo Group1 Intervention