The power of lavender met the power of nurses during a recent pilot study conducted at Silver Hill
In the latest show of innovation at Silver Hill, nurses identified a critical need, researched potential solutions, and put the most plausible one to the test. The results proved the effectiveness of lavender aromatherapy and helped reduce anxiety in the majority of patients who participated in the study.
Distress and acute anxiousness are often at their highest for patients during and shortly after admission. While medication can be helpful, it is not always sufficient or appropriate. In exploring non-pharmacological interventions, Silver Hill nurses used their experience, coupled with emerging research, to develop a study using Elequil Aromatabs®, a wearable aromatherapy product infused with lavender and sandalwood essential oils.
The study led to a white paper, “The Power of Lavender: Clinical Aromatherapy Reduces Anxiousness in Behavioral Health Unit,” written by Silver Hill nurse leaders Peggy Sawyer, APRN, MSN, and Immacula Cann, DNP, RN-BC. Dr. Cann is Silver Hill’s Chief Nursing Officer. Associate Director of Nursing Bethany Zaro, MPH, RN, GSP, and the nursing staff on Main 2 (adult inpatient unit) played a major role in the execution of the study.
Silver Hill nurses introduced aromatherapy to patients shortly after admission to the inpatient unit in Main House. The nurses also designed an evaluation process, asking patients to rate their anxiety levels before and 15 minutes after application. This allowed the nursing staff to implement the intervention and directly observe its impact.
When inhaled, essential oils stimulate the olfactory system and influence the brain’s limbic system, which regulates emotion and behavior. Lavender is known for its calming and sedative properties. Aromatherapy, as a practice, dates back to ancient civilizations.
Among the patients who participated, 70% reported a reduction in anxiousness. Only one patient noted an increase, with the remainder reporting no change. In addition, 33% of participants requested continued use after the study.
“This work reflects the innovation, compassion, and dedication of our nursing team in advancing non-pharmacological interventions that truly make a difference in our patients’ lives,” Dr. Cann said. “I hope this inspires our staff to continue exploring creative ways to support our patients and one another.”
Andrew J. Gerber, MD, PhD, President and Medical Director of Silver Hill, noted this is the first nurse-led study conducted at Silver Hill. Dr. Gerber said the ability of Silver Hill nurses to identify a gap in care, implement a practical solution, and evaluate its effectiveness reflects the critical role nurses play in patient-centered innovation.
“This study showcases the combination of research and clinical sophistication in our nursing department,” Dr. Gerber said.
Silver Hill nurses noted the study created an opening for conversation, helping them engage with patents who otherwise may have felt withdrawn. It built trust and fostered meaningful interactions and rapport.
Zaro found the experience to be heartwarming. “One day, as I was walking across campus, I heard someone call out, ‘Hi, lavender lady.’ It was a former inpatient who had participated in the study before transferring to a residential program.” Zaro recalls. “She asked if I had any more ‘lavender stickies’ because she loved them. I was able to drop a couple off for her that very day.”
Moving forward, the study may lead to Elequil Aromatabs being an added intervention to reduce anxiousness throughout a patient’s stay at Silver Hill, complementing other mind-body practices such as yoga, sound baths, meditation, and massage therapy.
Through leadership, commitment, and innovation, Silver Hill’s nursing staff have shown that even small interventions, like the scent of lavender, can make a meaningful difference in the patient experience.