Focus on Alternative and Complementary Therapies
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Focus Alternat Complement Ther©2005 Pharmaceutical Press
Focus Altern Complement Ther 2004; 9: 16–7
The aim of this pilot study was to investigate the feasibility of collecting self-reported data from aromatherapists on adverse skin reactions resulting from treatment. The results will be used to inform the development of a suitable adverse events (AE) reporting system.
A total of 74 members of the International Federation of Professional Aromatherapists (IFPA) volunteered to monitor their practice for 9 months. During this time they recorded the number of treatments delivered and filled in an Adverse Reactions in Aromatherapy (ARIA) form for any skin reactions observed by themselves or their clients. At the end of the trial period a feedback questionnaire was sent to all participants to assess the ease of use and acceptability of the ARIA form.
Results will be presented at the conference and will include the number of treatments performed over the study period, data from completed ARIA forms and data obtained from the feedback questionnaire.
This pilot study is part of a programme aimed at producing a system of AE reporting for aromatherapists. This is the first stage of a proposed larger study across the profession. It is envisaged that the wider study will include other possible AEs. The data collected will give a clearer understanding of the extent of AEs as a result of aromatherapy treatment and how this can be used to inform safe practice.
This study is supported by the IFPA.
