The Effect of Lavender Essential Oil for Delirium in Elderly Intensive Care Unit Patients: Study Protocol

Launched by CHONGQING TRADITIONAL CHINESE MEDICINE HOSPITAL · Oct 20, 2023

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial is studying whether lavender essential oil can help prevent delirium in elderly patients who are critically ill and in the intensive care unit (ICU). Delirium is a serious condition that can affect a person's thinking, memory, and awareness, and it is common among older patients in the ICU. The researchers believe that inhaling lavender oil may help reduce the chances of developing delirium, especially since it has been shown to improve sleep and relieve anxiety in other situations.

To participate in this study, patients need to be between 60 and 90 years old, expected to stay in the ICU for at least 72 hours, and admitted to the ICU within the last 48 hours. They must also be able to provide consent to participate. However, those who are in a coma, have certain psychiatric conditions, or have a history of severe brain issues are not eligible. If someone joins the study, they will be given the opportunity to inhale lavender oil while their health is monitored, helping to see if it can make a difference in preventing delirium during their hospital stay.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • Critically ill patients aged between 60 and 90 years old
• • Had an expected total ICU length of stay (LOS) of 72 hours or more
• • Admitted to the ICU within 48 hours before screening
• • Signed the informed consent form.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • Incapacitation preventing the assessment of delirium (i.e., coma, sedation, or active seizures)
• • History of psychiatric disorders, dementia, Parkinson's disease, use of antipsychotic drugs, or alcohol dependence
• • History of traumatic brain injury or brain infection
• • Diagnosis of delirium prior to intervention initiation
• • Allergies to medications used in the protocol or current participation in other drug studies
• • Inability to communicate in Chinese or English
• • Expected to be discharged or deceased within 72 hours of admission.