The Delphi Study

This study is designed to determine what items are considered necessary to include in aromatherapy-focused research. The rise in aromatherapy-focused research parallels the increased global interest in aromatherapy using essential oils for support with illness, wellness, and quality of life. Promising evidence corroborates the role of aromatherapy in enhancing symptom management and health related quality of life in various health areas. Unfortunately, clear and complete reporting is often lacking and makes it difficult to translate this research into further studies, patient care, and clinical practice. To address this need for clarity, the objective is to conduct an international Delphi consensus study, aimed at selecting a core set of items to be considered in aromatherapy-focused research. These items will be an extension to existing reporting guidelines for various study designs including randomized controlled trials, observational studies, case reports, and other studies as applicable. This study is set to begin on September 29, 2024, when an in-person and on-line meeting hosted by ARQAT is held at the Sonesta Airport Hotel in Nashville, TN, USA. During this 4-hour meeting, there will be an opportunity for the PI and the board of ARQAT to explain the study, answer questions, and launch the actual survey which will be sent to all participants approximately 2 weeks after this meeting. This project is being conducted by Dr. Marian Reven, Principal Investigator, West Virginia University, WV, USA in cooperation with the Aromatic Research Quality Appraisal Taskforce (ARQAT) a 501c3 nonprofit dedicated to improved reporting quality for aromatic research To follow this work go to https://www.arqat.org/contact to share your information.

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