Essential Oil Education for Healthcare Providers

Patient use of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) has been increasing in the United States for a variety of reasons. Many patients perceive CAM as easier to understand, natural, and safer than conventional medicine. Increased exposure to other cultures and Internet access have made information regarding CAM more easily obtainable (Sissi & Benzie, 2011; Ventola, 2010). The use of essential oils is one CAM modality that continues to increase in popularity. Despite popular use, formal education and training on the use of CAM, and specifically essential oils, are on not typically a large component of the curriculum in nursing or medical schools in the United States. Many providers are not knowledgeable and do not feel comfortable discussing the topic with their patients (Jones, & Cook, 2012; Yildirim, Parlar, Eyigor, Sertoz, Eyigor, Fadiloglu, & Uyar, 2012; Zhang, Peck, Spalding, 2012). Based on the need for enhanced knowledge of CAM modalities and the use of essential oils, a continuing education module was developed and implemented in collaboration with the American Association of Nurse Practitioners Continuing Education (AANP CE) center. The module included information on five commonly used essential oils, indications for use in patient populations, and safety and contraindications for use. Pretest, posttest, and response questions were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the educational module. Data were collected over a three month period with a total of 231 participants completing both the module and required pretest, posttest, and evaluation questions. An increase in correct responses in the posttest when compared to the pretest, helped demonstrate learning occurred as a result of the module. Upon completion of the module, the majority of the participants reported they felt more comfortable discussing CAM/essential oils with their patients. The majority of participants also reported as a result of the continuing education module they intend to ask their patients about their use of CAM. The overall results of the continuing education module demonstrated a positive impact on participants and increased knowledge of essential oil indications, safety, and contraindications, as evidenced by the posttest and evaluation results