This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view itApril 2012What Can We Learn From a Randomized Control Trial?Nurses in the Day Surgery (DS), PACU and Anesthesia departments were shocked at their findings after conducting a randomized control trial (RCT) in which the effectiveness and efficacy of peppermint aromatherapy was investigated. Having used peppermint as an alternative therapy for postoperative nausea and/or vomiting (PONV) for over 5 years, DS nurses decided to formally evaluate their practice. Anecdotally, they were convinced that this intervention was effective; however, they had no evidence to support their “belief.”Two years and over 200 subjects later, the data revealed that controlled breathing alone (CB) was more effective and more efficacious than peppermint aromatherapy with controlled breathing (AR). Lee Deal RN, CAPA stated, “I was surprised at the results.” Likewise Denise Stiles BSN, RN words were, “The results were shocking. In my practice CB has not worked. So I thought about why. I think my voice shows anxiety, while other nurses’ voices may promote calm in their patients when doing the controlled breathing.” This point-of-care research study demonstrates the importance of good study design, according to Dr. Rebecca Tart, research team mentor. “During the literature appraisal phase of the project, it became apparent that many studies had not considered the volume of aromatherpy subjects were being exposed to nor had most included appropriate controls.” The team designed a RCT that compared CB to AR using a standardized amount of peppermint extract for experimental subjects. Control subjects were treated just as the AR subjects only a “sham” vial containing no peppermint was placed under their noses during the controlled breathing exercise. Lisa Jackson, RN said, “The study opened my eyes as to what worked. Before we just took the peppermint out of the cabinet and used it.” Janis Hardin BSN, RN, CPAN explained, “I thought peppermint would be best. Now, the first thing I do for a patient experiencing PONV is controlled breathing.” Kathey Hutchins RN, CPAN was also surprised that CB worked better. She said, “I saw different results with different subjects.” A great point! Controlled breathing is something a nurse can “walk” a patient through immediately following their first complaint of PONV … right then at the bedside. If it’s not effective in relieving his/her symptoms, peppermint aromatherapy, which was found to be efficacious in more than half of the cases, is a second option that also has the added bonus of no known side effects - something not true of antiemetic medications. Stiles and Kelly Ward BSN, RN, CAPA noted many subjects like learning about controlled breathing and aromatherapy with Ward stating, “patients were shocked that it worked.” For Polly Torbush RN, CAPA the importance of protecting subjects throughout the study was a learning experience. She completed the protection of human research participants education as a requirement for being a study co-investigator, and gained a new appreciation for its importance. Nancy Johnson BSN, CAPA, who along with Debra Sites, MHA, RN is representing the research team at the 31st American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses (ASPAN) National Conference with a poster presentation, stated, “I am very proud to have been part of our research.” Click here to view the group's research poster § CertificationsCongratulations to Greg Billings, MSN, RN, NEA-BC for successfully passing the Nurse Executive Advanced certification exam. Congratulations to Michele McGlamery, MSN, RN, CNOR, NEA-BC for successfully passing the Nurse Executive Advanced certification exam. Congratulations for successfull passage of the Certified Nurse Operating Room exam to Ashley Riddle, RN, CNOR, Alisa Herman, RN, CNOR and Jana Creed, RN, CNOR. Congratulations to Brittanee Garrison, BSN, RNC-FM for successfully passing the Fetal Monitoring certification. Congratulations to Kimberly Parker, BSN, RN-BC for successfully passing the Medical-Surgical certification exam.
Ongoing study during the 2012 EBP Week FiestaDo you like chips and salsa? Then don't miss the oppportunity to particpate in this year's mock research study conducted by the Research & EBP Council. During EBP Week, April 15-20, CVMC staff have the opportunity to participate in a double blind Salsa Testing "Research" Study. On the very first day of the study, a record number of 65 participants tested two different kinds of salsa to investigate their hypothesis. Be sure to read the May Issue of Progress Notes to find out the final results of this study. CVMC nurses presenting at the annual ASPAN National ConferenceThe American Society of PeriAnesthesia Nurses (ASPAN) holds this year's national conference in Orlando, FL from April 15-19, 2012. Topics range from Post Anesthesia Complications to Staffing and the Management of Complications. Two absracts from CVMC staff were accepted for presentation. Jackie Miller MSN, RN, NE-BC is presenting 'Creating a Safe Practice Environement: Elimination of Mandatory Overtime in the PACU' in both poster and podium formats. 'Evaluation of Controlled Breathing With or Without Peppermint Aromatherapy for Postoperative Nausea and/or Vomiting Relief' is being presented by Debra Sites MHA, RN and Nancy Johnson BSN, RN. Congratulations to Jackie and the point of care research team (day surgery, PACU, and Anesthesia nurses) on being selected to present their findings! Click on the authors' name(s) to view the posters by Jackie Miller and Debra Sites/Nancy Johnson. §
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