Essential Oils for Electrocautery (NCT04260867)
Utility of Aromatherapy in Reducing Burnt Flesh Smell, Decreasing Intraoperative Anxiety, and Improving the Patient's Overall Experience During Cutaneous Surgical Procedures: a Randomized Controlled Trial
🩺 Plain-English Summary (8th-Grade Level)
The purpose of this study is to assess whether essential oil aromatherapy could improve or eliminate the smell of burnt flesh from electrocautery and subsequently mitigate patient anxiety and discomfort during dermatologic skin surgery. This is a randomized clinical trial. Approximately 210 electrocautery participants will be randomized to receive sham control/no aromatherapy or aromatherapy. Patients will be asked to complete a questionnaire after completion of the procedure to assess their experience. This study was a pilot study designed to determine the feasibility of this procedure. Subjects currently living in the Chicago metropolitan area and meet inclusion/exclusion criteria will be invited and considered for enrollment.
Who can join: Review the eligibility criteria below.
Location: Northwestern University Department of Dermatology — Chicago, Illinois
Age range: 19 Years
🧪 Interventions in This Study
- Essential Oil (OTHER)
- No Essential Oil (OTHER)
📋 "Do I Qualify?" — 1-Minute Self Screener
Instant ChecklistFull eligibility criteria are available on the official NIH protocol. View the criteria ↗
📍 All Participating Trial Locations (1 Sites)
- Northwestern University Department of Dermatology — Chicago, Illinois
📞 Contact the Study Coordinator
Phone: (855) 692-6482
Coordinator details come directly from the registered NIH protocol. Confirm the study is still recruiting before traveling.
💰 Cost, Insurance & Patient Rights
- 100% Free Items: The investigational treatment and protocol-required procedures are supplied at zero cost by the sponsor.
- Routine Patient Care: Under federal law (ACA § 2709) and many state statutes, routine care costs are covered during participation.
- Voluntary Participation: You may withdraw at any time without affecting your standard medical care.
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💡 How to Participate
- Check the checklist above to see if you may qualify.
- Contact the study coordinator using the phone/email above.
- Ask about the visit schedule, what is covered at no cost, and any travel support.
- Confirm with your own doctor before making a decision.