Shri Isari Velan Mission Hospital, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India 

 

I am doctor Savio M Thelly and in 2012 I’ve completed my Post Graduation in Nursing from Narayana  Hrudayalaya with First Rank and Gold Medal. 

Right now I'm working as Nursing Superintendent at Shri Isari Velan Mission hospital and also as a senior lecturer in the Nursing Department at my hospital, which is a recognized training centre for palliative care. 

I am interested in finding new and modified interventions to improve quality of life of patients and to spread awareness about palliative care among health care professionals, students but also among the general public. I am working as a trainer in palliative care for training volunteers and I love to offer my support as a hospice nurse.

I am currently doing a MD in alternative medicine, to improve my knowledge and skills to provide maximum comfort to my patients. 

As a part of that, I am proud to have presented for this Award the selected research on my main areas of interest: aromatherapy, vitamin therapy, acupressure, yoga and relaxation techniques.

Shri Isari Velan Mission Hospital, Chennai, Tamilnadu, India 

As a form of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM), aromatherapy has gained popularity in the treatment of various conditions, including those relating to pain. A small scientific study on aromatherapy as a treatment for pain finds that it may be as effective as painkillers. Aromatherapy is a form of alternative medicine that uses volatile plant materials, known as essential oils, and other aromatic compounds for the purpose of altering a person´s mind, mood, cognitive function or health.

The intensity of pain was measures by using numerical pain rating scale. The sample consists of 30 patients with cancer, between the age group of 11-18 years with receiving palliative care were allocated to either aromatherapy using Lavender perfumed candles (n=15), lavender oil forhead massage based on the child's wish or routine nursing care only (n=15)The treatment group received 30 minutes of aromatherapy twice a day for 7 days.

Pain was recorded before and 5 minutes after the intervention by using numerical pain intensity scale. Paired't' test was used to assess the effect of aromatherapy on pain in both the group. In the experimental group 't' value is significantly higher than the tabulated value at 5%, 'z' test was used to assess the difference between experimental and control group, this shows significantly higher than the tabulated value at 5%. Aromatherapy is a beneficial nursing intervention that promotes relaxation and alleviates the perception of pain among the patients.