RecruitingOBSERVATIONAL

Evaluation of the Therapeutic Approach of Aromatherapy by Olfaction of Essential Oils in Association With Hypnosis in the Management of Patients Followed for Cancer

This study explores if combining aromatherapy (using essential oils) with hypnosis can make medical procedures like blood tests or wound dressings easier for cancer patients. Patients will have their anxiety and comfort levels checked before and after these procedures. Some will try hypnosis alone, while others will have both hypnosis and aromatherapy. The aim is to see if these techniques can help patients feel less anxious and more comfortable during their treatment journey. Participants will learn self-hypnosis to use between visits. The study is for adults undergoing certain common medical tasks as part of their cancer care and aims to improve their overall experience.

At a glance

Status

Recruiting

Sponsor

Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal Creteil

Enrolment target

Start

10 Apr 2024

Estimated completion

10 Oct 2026

Cancer

What is this study about?

This study is looking into new ways to help people with cancer feel more comfortable during routine medical tasks. We know that procedures like blood tests, changing dressings, or even having a wash in bed can sometimes cause anxiety or discomfort for patients. The researchers want to see if a combination of aromatherapy (which involves smelling certain essential oils) and hypnosis can make these experiences much easier.

The main idea is to reduce any feelings of worry and improve overall well-being when these procedures are happening. Some patients in the study will learn and use hypnosis, which is a state of deep relaxation where you are more open to suggestions that can help you feel calm. Others will use both hypnosis and aromatherapy, to see if adding the essential oils makes an even bigger difference.

By carefully checking how patients feel before and after these procedures – both their anxiety and comfort levels – the study hopes to find out if these gentle approaches can lead to a real improvement in how patients cope with their cancer care. It's about finding supportive ways to make treatment a little bit easier for you.

Key takeaways

Tests new ways to make medical procedures more comfortable for cancer patients.
Uses aromatherapy (smelling essential oils) and hypnosis.
Aims to reduce anxiety and improve well-being during treatments.
Participants will learn self-hypnosis for ongoing use.
Has three main stages over about 1.5 to 2 weeks.
Participation is voluntary and won't affect your regular care.

Who may be eligible?

To join this study, you need to be an adult (18 years or older) who is currently receiving cancer treatment, specifically chemotherapy, and is also supported by a palliative care team. You'd be suitable if you regularly need certain medical procedures, such as blood tests (either from a vein or a special port under your skin), dressing changes for a cancerous wound, or a full wash in bed.

You also need to be able to understand the study and agree to take part. Importantly, you shouldn't have any known allergies to essential oils, or any conditions that might make it hard for you to answer questions or follow instructions, like serious memory issues or certain mental health conditions.

This study is not for pregnant or breastfeeding women, people who are under guardianship, or anyone who can't freely decide to join the study. It's designed for people who can actively participate and communicate their feelings about their experiences.

Could this study suit you?

Answer these quick questions to see if you may be eligible. This is a guide only — the research team makes the final call.

Are you 18 years old or over?
Are you currently having chemotherapy for cancer?
Do you get your blood tested often, need dressing changes for a wound, or receive help with a full wash in bed?
Can you understand information about the study and agree to take part?
Do you have any known allergies to essential oils?
Are you pregnant or breastfeeding?

Answer every question to see your result.

What does participation involve?

If you decide to join this study, your journey will involve three main contacts with the study team. Each contact will happen around a time when you’re due for one of the routine medical procedures that sometimes cause discomfort – like a blood test or a dressing change.

Before the very first procedure you have in the study, you'll be asked about your anxiety and well-being. This helps the team understand how you're feeling normally. Then, after that procedure, your comfort will be checked. This first visit helps set a baseline for the study.

For your second procedure (which happens 1 to 9 days after the first), you'll again be asked about your anxiety and well-being. At this point, you'll be randomly assigned to one of two groups: either hypnosis alone, or hypnosis combined with aromatherapy. You'll have your first hypnosis session right as the procedure happens, and then your comfort will be checked afterwards. You'll also be taught how to do self-hypnosis to practice at home.

About a week later, for your third procedure, you'll once again share how anxious you feel and how your well-being is. This time, you'll use the self-hypnosis you learned, possibly with aromatherapy, during the procedure. Your comfort will be checked immediately afterwards. The total duration of your active participation will involve these three contacts over approximately 1.5 to 2 weeks.

Potential risks and benefits

Taking part in this study may offer you the potential benefit of feeling more relaxed and comfortable during medical procedures that might otherwise cause you distress. It could provide you with new coping skills, like self-hypnosis, that you can use beyond the study. As for risks, aromatherapy uses essential oils, and while efforts are made to ensure safety, there's a small chance of an allergic reaction if you have not been identified as having known allergies. The study team will be careful to avoid known allergens. Hypnosis is generally considered safe, but if you have a history of certain mental health conditions, it might not be suitable; these conditions are exclusion criteria for the study. You're free to withdraw from the study at any time without having to give a reason, and this will not affect your usual medical care.

Locations (1)

Centre Hospitalier Intercommunal de Créteil
Verified postcode
Créteil, France· Recruiting

Common questions

What is hypnosis?

Hypnosis is a state of deep relaxation and focused attention, where you're more open to suggestions that can help you feel calm and comfortable.

What is aromatherapy in this study?

Aromatherapy here means smelling essential oils, which are natural plant extracts known for their pleasant scents and calming properties.

Will I be asleep during hypnosis?

No, you won't be asleep. You'll be aware of what's happening around you, but in a very relaxed and focused state, similar to daydreaming.

Do I have to pay to join the study?

No, participating in this medical study is free of charge.

Can I stop participating at any time?

Yes, you can choose to leave the study at any point, and your decision will not affect your ongoing medical care.

How to find out more

Lambert VADROT

lambert.vadrot@chicreteil.fr 0157022675 Official trial record

Always speak to your GP or specialist before deciding to take part in a study.