HEALTHCARE
Studies have shown that scent can be used in many applications; to positively affect the behaviors and emotions of patients and staff.
Odors that are common in medical establishments are often the cause for increased anxiety because of the unpleasant association with traumatic experiences.
Healthcare administrators are now promoting the use of scent marketing, using lavender or eucalyptus, more traditionally used in aromatherapy or spa environments to provide a calming and relaxing environment.
Common Uses of Sent in Healthcare & its Benefits
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Promote a relaxing environment, decrease patient anxiety, and purify the air.
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Vanilla has been used in MRI facilities to decrease claustrophobia and tension resulting in a reduce in cancellations.
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Create calming environment for Medical Practices, Medical Waiting Rooms and Retirement Communities.
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Relaxing scents are appropriate to aid in calming patients in stressful situations caused by pre-surgery, dental surgery, and in blood clinics.
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Eucalyptus, rosemary and lavender can be used to treat malodorous and has antibacterial properties.
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Citrus scents are uplifting fragrances, which can help ease anxiety.
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Scent is an effective differentiator for Medical Practice Marketing.
Case Studies
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Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York, doctors use fragrance to reduce anxiety during medical testing.
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Doctors from Duke University Medical Center are treating women in menopause with fragrances to alleviate depression and mood swings. Scents used to affect mood or behavior is called aromatherapy.
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At Vanderbilt University Medical Center, the emergency room scents have changed. WZTV says aromatherapy is helping doctors and nurses in Vanderbilt's ER feel calmer and it's improving the mood. The ER's Wellness Committee tested the oils to not only improve the smells, but also the workplace. "We wanted oils that would help decrease stress and increase energy," says Teresa Surges, nurse and project co-leader.
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Research in Japan is being undertaken to understand the influence scent and the use of essential oils has on the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. (Miyazawa, 2006, Inhibition of Acetylcholinesterase Activity by Tea Tree Oil & Constituent Terpenoids).
