Using lavender essential oil to reduce delirium in elderly ICU patients
The Effect of Lavender Essential Oil for Delirium in Elderly Intensive Care Unit Patients: Study Protocol for a Double Blind, Randomized, Placebo-controlled Trial
This study is testing whether lavender essential oil can help prevent delirium in elderly patients in the ICU.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 68 (estimated) |
| Ages | 60 Years to 90 Years |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Chongqing Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Chongqing) |
| Trial ID | NCT06100029 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This clinical trial investigates the effect of lavender essential oil on preventing delirium in elderly patients admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). A total of 68 critically ill patients aged 60 to 90 will be randomly assigned to either receive lavender aromatherapy or a placebo, alongside standard care practices aimed at managing delirium. The primary outcome will be the prevalence of delirium, while secondary outcomes will assess its severity, duration, and impact on ICU stay and mortality. The study employs a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled design to ensure robust results.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates are critically ill patients aged 60 to 90 years with an expected ICU stay of 72 hours or more.
Not a fit: Patients with pre-existing delirium, severe incapacitation, or significant psychiatric history may not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly reduce the incidence of delirium in elderly ICU patients, improving their overall prognosis and quality of life.
How similar studies have performed: While the use of aromatherapy in critical care settings is emerging, this specific application of lavender oil for delirium prevention is relatively novel and has not been extensively tested.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion 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.
Where this trial is running
Chongqing
- Chongqing traditional Chinese medicine hospital — Chongqing, China (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Judan Tan
- Email: judantan@icloud.com
- Phone: +8618523837758
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.