Total Joint Replacement SurgeryRCT PONVNCT07281885
Aromatherapy in Reducing PONV for Total Joint Replacement Patients
A study testing Aromatherapy patches in people with Total Joint Replacement Surgery and Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting, run by Hong Kong Buddhist Hospital at 1 site in Hong Kong.
Trial summary
This study investigates the effectiveness of aromatherapy in reducing postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) among patients undergoing total joint replacement surgery, as these complications can lead to patient discomfort and prolonged recovery. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 years and older
- Conditions the study is for
- Total Joint Replacement Surgery, Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting
- What is being tested?
- Aromatherapy patches
- Could I receive a placebo?
- Yes, some participants may receive a placebo
- How many people
- 159 participants
- Where
- 1 siteHong Kong
- Study dates
- 1 Sep 2025to Dec 2026
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 years and older
- All sexes
- No healthy volunteers
- Adult, Older adult
Who may be able to join
- Adults aged 18 or above
- Patients scheduled for total joint replacement surgery at the HKBH
Who cannot join
- Cognitive impairments
- Allergy to lavender, orange, ginger, or sandalwood
- Allergy to micro-pore tape
- Allergy to opioid medication
- Undergoing other therapeutic treatment for PONV control, except prescribed medications
Trial locations and contacts
1 site in 1 country. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
Hong Kong1 site, 1 recruiting
- Recruiting
Hong Kong Buddhist Hospital
Wong Tai Sin, Hong Kong
Choi Wan CHAN, APN (NURSING), 852-2339 ext. 6266, cw.chan1@ha.org.hk
Ka Wai Fiona Mak, WM (NURSING)
About this study
Official title: A Randomized Control Trial on the Efficacy of Aromatherapy in Reducing Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Total Joint Replacement Patients
This study investigates the effectiveness of aromatherapy in reducing postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) among patients undergoing total joint replacement surgery, as these complications can lead to patient discomfort and prolonged recovery. It is designed as a randomized controlled trial involving 159 participants, who will be divided into three groups: an intervention group receiving aromatherapy patches (lavender-sandalwood or orange-ginger) plus standard care, a placebo group with a placebo patch plus standard care, and a control group receiving standard care alone. PONV will be measured using the Rhodes Index of Nausea, Vomiting, and Retching (RINVR) at baseline, 30 minutes after the intervention, and every 12 hours post-surgery. Additionally, patient satisfaction will be assessed through a 5-point Likert scale survey. The primary outcome of the study is the evaluation of RINVR scores, while the secondary outcome focuses on patient satisfaction levels. Data will be statistically analyzed using two-way ANOVA for repeated measures, with a significance level defined as p < 0.05. The study aims to determine the viability of aromatherapy as a complementary treatment for PONV, potentially improving postoperative care, enhancing patient satisfaction, and offering a cost-effective alternative to conventional anti emetic treatments if proven effective.
- Being tested
- Aromatherapy patches, Placebo Patches, Control (Standard treatment)
- Keywords
- Aromatherapy, PONV
- Medical subject headings
- Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Aromatherapy patchesOther
Also called Lavender-Sandalwood patch, Orange-Ginger patch
Applying aromatherapy patch served as intervention part in addition to standard care. Aromatherapy patch will be attached to the inner side of of the patient's top covered by a plain gauze with micro-pore tape.
Placebo PatchesOther
On top of standard care. Placebo patch, which looks like the aromatherapy patch but contains no element of any essential oil, will be attached to the inner side of of the patient's top covered by a plain gauze with micro-pore tape.
Control (Standard treatment)Drug
Prescribed antiemetic treatment
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| Aromatherapy patches | Experimental | Standard Care + Use of Aromatherapy Patches Receives: Other: Aromatherapy patches |
| Placebo patches | Placebo comparator | Standard Care + Use of Placebo Patches Receives: Other: Placebo Patches |
| Prescribed antiemetic treatment | Active comparator | As standard care alone Receives: Drug: Control (Standard treatment) |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting
as measured by Rhodes Index of Nausea, Vomiting, and Retching, which consists of 8-item 4-point Likert-scales for nausea, vomiting, and retching symptoms with a total score ranging from 0 to 32 for each time point. The higher scores indicate the higher severity of nausea, vomiting, and retching experienced by the patient.
Measured: Through study completion, an average of 24 hours at 4 timepoints: T0 (baseline at PACU), T1 (up to 30 minutes from applying intervention to reassessment at PACU), T2 (up to 12-hour post-intervention in ward), T3 (up to 24-hour post-intervention in ward).
Secondary outcomes (1)
Patient Satisfaction
Use of patient satisfaction survey which consists of 2-item 5-point Likert scales to address the extent to which intervention could be effective in discomfort relief and control perceived by patients. The total score of the survey ranged from 2 to 10; the higher the score the more likely patients showed agreement on treatment effectiveness in discomfort relief and control.
Measured: Through study completion, an average of 24 hours at 4 timepoints: T0 (baseline at PACU), T1 (up to 30 minutes from applying intervention to reassessment at PACU), T2 (up to 12-hour post-intervention in ward), T3 (up to 24-hour post-intervention in ward).
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted15 Dec 2025
- Study start1 Sep 2025
- Primary completionDec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completionDec 2026 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (13)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Total Joint Replacement SurgeryStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Model description
- Paralleled Randomized Controlled Trial
- Masking
- Single blind
- Who is masked
- Outcomes assessor
- Enrolment
- 159 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- Hong Kong Buddhist Hospital
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Choi Wan Chan, Hong Kong Buddhist Hospital
- Investigators
- Choi Wan CHAN, APN (NURSING), Principal investigator, Hong Kong Buddhist Hospital
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07281885
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- CIRB-2025-242-5
- Acronym
- RCT PONV
- Status last verified
- Jan 2026
- First submitted
- 2 Dec 2025
- Last updated
- 7 Jan 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- Yes
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No
Publications
Bode AM, Dong Z. The Amazing and Mighty Ginger. In: Benzie IFF, Wachtel-Galor S, editors. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press/Taylor & Francis; 2011. Chapter 7. Available from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92775/
PubMed 22593941Chaiyakunapruk N, Kitikannakorn N, Nathisuwan S, Leeprakobboon K, Leelasettagool C. The efficacy of ginger for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting: a meta-analysis. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2006 Jan;194(1):95-9. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2005.06.046.
PubMed 16389016Chou FH, Avant KC, Kuo SH, Cheng HF. Assessing the psychometric and language equivalency of the Chinese versions of the Index of Nausea, Vomiting and Retching, and the Prenatal Self-Evaluation Questionnaire. Kaohsiung J Med Sci. 2005 Jul;21(7):314-21. doi: 10.1016/S1607-551X(09)70127-5.
PubMed 16089309Cardia GFE, Silva-Filho SE, Silva EL, Uchida NS, Cavalcante HAO, Cassarotti LL, Salvadego VEC, Spironello RA, Bersani-Amado CA, Cuman RKN. Effect of Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) Essential Oil on Acute Inflammatory Response. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2018 Mar 18;2018:1413940. doi: 10.1155/2018/1413940. eCollection 2018.
PubMed 29743918Ford C, Park LJ. Assessing and managing nausea and vomiting in adults. Br J Nurs. 2020 Jun 11;29(11):602-605. doi: 10.12968/bjon.2020.29.11.602. No abstract available.
PubMed 32516043Gress K, Urits I, Viswanath O, Urman RD. Clinical and economic burden of postoperative nausea and vomiting: Analysis of existing cost data. Best Pract Res Clin Anaesthesiol. 2020 Dec;34(4):681-686. doi: 10.1016/j.bpa.2020.07.003. Epub 2020 Jul 18.
PubMed 33288118A Pilot Randomized Control Trial to Assess the Impact of Lavender on Anxiety and Comfort After Cesarean Birth and the Barriers Encountered. MCN Am J Matern Child Nurs. 2022 Mar-Apr 01;47(2):E3. doi: 10.1097/NMC.0000000000000807. No abstract available.
PubMed 35202019Jin Z, Gan TJ, Bergese SD. Prevention and Treatment of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting (PONV): A Review of Current Recommendations and Emerging Therapies. Ther Clin Risk Manag. 2020 Dec 31;16:1305-1317. doi: 10.2147/TCRM.S256234. eCollection 2020.
PubMed 33408475Marsh E, Millette D, Wolfe A. Complementary Intervention in Postoperative Care: Aromatherapy's Role in Decreasing Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting. J Holist Nurs. 2022 Dec;40(4):351-358. doi: 10.1177/08980101211065555. Epub 2021 Dec 15.
PubMed 34905993Amirshahi M, Behnamfar N, Badakhsh M, Rafiemanesh H, Keikhaie KR, Sheyback M, Sari M. Prevalence of postoperative nausea and vomiting: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Saudi J Anaesth. 2020 Jan-Mar;14(1):48-56. doi: 10.4103/sja.SJA_401_19. Epub 2020 Jan 6.
PubMed 31998020Rhodes VA, McDaniel RW. The Index of Nausea, Vomiting, and Retching: a new format of the lndex of Nausea and Vomiting. Oncol Nurs Forum. 1999 Jun;26(5):889-94.
PubMed 10382187Singh JR, Rand EB, Erosa SC, Cho RS, Sein M. Aromatherapy for Procedural Anxiety in Pain Management and Interventional Spine Procedures: A Randomized Trial. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2021 Oct 1;100(10):978-982. doi: 10.1097/PHM.0000000000001690.
PubMed 33443859Trambert R, Kowalski MO, Wu B, Mehta N, Friedman P. A Randomized Controlled Trial Provides Evidence to Support Aromatherapy to Minimize Anxiety in Women Undergoing Breast Biopsy. Worldviews Evid Based Nurs. 2017 Oct;14(5):394-402. doi: 10.1111/wvn.12229. Epub 2017 Apr 10.
PubMed 28395396
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 7 Jan 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- A Randomized Control Trial on the Efficacy of Aromatherapy in Reducing Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting in Total Joint Replacement Patients
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07281885
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- RCT PONV / CIRB-2025-242-5
- Keywords
- Aromatherapy, PONV
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Recruiting
- Enrolment
- 159 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- Hong Kong Buddhist HospitalUniversity, hospital or other
- Collaborators
- Queen Elizabeth Hospital, Hong Kong
- Study start
- 1 Sep 2025 (actual)
- Primary completion
- Dec 2026 (estimated)
- Study completion
- Dec 2026 (estimated)
- First posted
- 15 Dec 2025 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This study investigates the effectiveness of aromatherapy in reducing postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) among patients undergoing total joint replacement surgery, as these complications can lead to patient discomfort and prolonged recovery. It is designed as a randomized controlled trial involving 159 participants, who will be divided into three groups: an intervention group receiving aromatherapy patches (lavender-sandalwood or orange-ginger) plus standard care, a placebo group with a placebo patch plus standard care, and a control group receiving standard care alone. PONV will be measured using the Rhodes Index of Nausea, Vomiting, and Retching (RINVR) at baseline, 30 minutes after the intervention, and every 12 hours post-surgery. Additionally, patient satisfaction will be assessed through a 5-point Likert scale survey. The primary outcome of the study is the evaluation of RINVR scores, while the secondary outcome focuses on patient satisfaction levels. Data will be statistically analyzed using two-way ANOVA for repeated measures, with a significance level defined as p < 0.05. The study aims to determine the viability of aromatherapy as a complementary treatment for PONV, potentially improving postoperative care, enhancing patient satisfaction, and offering a cost-effective alternative to conventional anti emetic treatments if proven effective.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Treatment
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Single blind (outcomes assessor)
- Number of arms
- 3
- Model description
- Paralleled Randomized Controlled Trial
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| Aromatherapy patches | Experimental | Other: Aromatherapy patchesStandard Care + Use of Aromatherapy Patches |
| Placebo patches | Placebo comparator | Other: Placebo PatchesStandard Care + Use of Placebo Patches |
| Prescribed antiemetic treatment | Active comparator | Drug: Control (Standard treatment)As standard care alone |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 years and older
- Sex
- All
- Healthy volunteers
- Not accepted
- Age groups
- Adult, Older adult
Key inclusion criteria (2 listed)
- Adults aged 18 or above
- Patients scheduled for total joint replacement surgery at the HKBH
Key exclusion criteria (5 listed)
- Cognitive impairments
- Allergy to lavender, orange, ginger, or sandalwood
- Allergy to micro-pore tape
- Allergy to opioid medication
- Undergoing other therapeutic treatment for PONV control, except prescribed medications
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Aromatherapy patchesAlso: Lavender-Sandalwood patch, Orange-Ginger patchApplying aromatherapy patch served as intervention part in addition to standard care. Aromatherapy patch will be attached to the inner side of of the patient's top covered by a plain gauze with micro-pore tape. | Other | Aromatherapy patches |
| Placebo PatchesOn top of standard care. Placebo patch, which looks like the aromatherapy patch but contains no element of any essential oil, will be attached to the inner side of of the patient's top covered by a plain gauze with micro-pore tape. | Other | Placebo patches |
| Control (Standard treatment)Prescribed antiemetic treatment | Drug | Prescribed antiemetic treatment |
Primary outcome
Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 24 hours at 4 timepoints: T0 (baseline at PACU), T1 (up to 30 minutes from applying intervention to reassessment at PACU), T2 (up to 12-hour post-intervention in ward), T3 (up to 24-hour post-intervention in ward).
as measured by Rhodes Index of Nausea, Vomiting, and Retching, which consists of 8-item 4-point Likert-scales for nausea, vomiting, and retching symptoms with a total score ranging from 0 to 32 for each time point. The higher scores indicate the higher severity of nausea, vomiting, and retching experienced by the patient.
1 secondary outcome
Patient Satisfaction
Time frame: Through study completion, an average of 24 hours at 4 timepoints: T0 (baseline at PACU), T1 (up to 30 minutes from applying intervention to reassessment at PACU), T2 (up to 12-hour post-intervention in ward), T3 (up to 24-hour post-intervention in ward).
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 7 Jan 2026.
- Background: PubMed 22593941Bode AM, Dong Z. The Amazing and Mighty Ginger. In: Benzie IFF, Wachtel-Galor S, editors. Herbal Medicine: Biomolecular and Clinical Aspects. 2nd edition. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press/Taylor & Francis; 2011. Chapter 7. Available from http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK92775/
- Background: PubMed 16389016Chaiyakunapruk N, Kitikannakorn N, Nathisuwan S, Leeprakobboon K, Leelasettagool C. The efficacy of ginger for the prevention of postoperative nausea and vomiting: a meta-analysis. Am J Obstet Gynecol. 2006 Jan;194(1):95-9. doi: 10.1016/j.ajog.2005.06.046.
- Background: PubMed 16089309Chou FH, Avant KC, Kuo SH, Cheng HF. Assessing the psychometric and language equivalency of the Chinese versions of the Index of Nausea, Vomiting and Retching, and the Prenatal Self-Evaluation Questionnaire. Kaohsiung J Med Sci. 2005 Jul;21(7):314-21. doi: 10.1016/S1607-551X(09)70127-5.
- Background: PubMed 29743918Cardia GFE, Silva-Filho SE, Silva EL, Uchida NS, Cavalcante HAO, Cassarotti LL, Salvadego VEC, Spironello RA, Bersani-Amado CA, Cuman RKN. Effect of Lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) Essential Oil on Acute Inflammatory Response. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2018 Mar 18;2018:1413940. doi: 10.1155/2018/1413940. eCollection 2018.
- Background: PubMed 32516043Ford C, Park LJ. Assessing and managing nausea and vomiting in adults. Br J Nurs. 2020 Jun 11;29(11):602-605. doi: 10.12968/bjon.2020.29.11.602. No abstract available.
- Background: PubMed 33288118Gress K, Urits I, Viswanath O, Urman RD. Clinical and economic burden of postoperative nausea and vomiting: Analysis of existing cost data. Best Pract Res Clin Anaesthesiol. 2020 Dec;34(4):681-686. doi: 10.1016/j.bpa.2020.07.003. Epub 2020 Jul 18.
- Background: PubMed 35202019A Pilot Randomized Control Trial to Assess the Impact of Lavender on Anxiety and Comfort After Cesarean Birth and the Barriers Encountered. MCN Am J Matern Child Nurs. 2022 Mar-Apr 01;47(2):E3. doi: 10.1097/NMC.0000000000000807. No abstract available.
- Background: PubMed 33408475Jin Z, Gan TJ, Bergese SD. Prevention and Treatment of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting (PONV): A Review of Current Recommendations and Emerging Therapies. Ther Clin Risk Manag. 2020 Dec 31;16:1305-1317. doi: 10.2147/TCRM.S256234. eCollection 2020.
- Background: PubMed 34905993Marsh E, Millette D, Wolfe A. Complementary Intervention in Postoperative Care: Aromatherapy's Role in Decreasing Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting. J Holist Nurs. 2022 Dec;40(4):351-358. doi: 10.1177/08980101211065555. Epub 2021 Dec 15.
- Background: PubMed 31998020Amirshahi M, Behnamfar N, Badakhsh M, Rafiemanesh H, Keikhaie KR, Sheyback M, Sari M. Prevalence of postoperative nausea and vomiting: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Saudi J Anaesth. 2020 Jan-Mar;14(1):48-56. doi: 10.4103/sja.SJA_401_19. Epub 2020 Jan 6.
- Background: PubMed 10382187Rhodes VA, McDaniel RW. The Index of Nausea, Vomiting, and Retching: a new format of the lndex of Nausea and Vomiting. Oncol Nurs Forum. 1999 Jun;26(5):889-94.
- Background: PubMed 33443859Singh JR, Rand EB, Erosa SC, Cho RS, Sein M. Aromatherapy for Procedural Anxiety in Pain Management and Interventional Spine Procedures: A Randomized Trial. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. 2021 Oct 1;100(10):978-982. doi: 10.1097/PHM.0000000000001690.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No
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Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Choi Wan CHAN, APN (NURSING) principal investigator
Hong Kong Buddhist Hospital
1 site in 1 country: see every site and its status.
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Aromatherapy patches in people with Total Joint Replacement Surgery and Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting, run by Hong Kong Buddhist Hospital at 1 site in Hong Kong.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 2 inclusion and 5 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: looking for participants now, as of the sponsor's last update on 7 Jan 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
Where is the study taking place?
The record lists 1 site in Hong Kong. Whether a site is taking part right now should be confirmed with that site. See every site.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. Some participants in this study may receive a placebo. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Choi Wan CHAN, APN (NURSING) (852-2339 ext. 6266, cw.chan1@ha.org.hk), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting (time frame: Through study completion, an average of 24 hours at 4 timepoints: T0 (baseline at PACU), T1 (up to 30 minutes from applying intervention to reassessment at PACU), T2 (up to 12-hour post-intervention in ward), T3 (up to 24-hour post-intervention in ward).). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07281885, which also lists 13 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 7 Jan 2026.