Evaluation of an aromatherapy service on a leukaemia unit

INTERVENTION: 1. Arm A: No massage 2. Arm B: Massage with essential oil 3. Arm C: Massage without essential oil Those randomised to either of the two experimental arms will receive a part body massage once a week for the duration of their stay as an in‐patient on the ALU (with or without essential oils depending on which arm they are in). Those in the control arm will rest on their beds for an equivalent length of time. All study participants will rest on their beds for twenty minutes prior to treatment after which blood samples will be taken for hormone levels. Once this has been done patients will be asked to fill in the quality of life questionnaire. Following completion, those patients in the experimental groups will receive their massage. Following the therapy session the patients will be allowed to rest for 10 minutes then more blood samples will be taken for hormone levels. This sampling will be repeated half hourly for two hours. At this final session a semi‐structured interview will be conducted to aid evaluation of the effect the therapist may have on the patient. The patient will also be asked to fill in pain and quality of life measures at this point. The questionnaires and blood sampling will be repeated after 24 hours. CONDITION: Cancer: Leukaemia ; Cancer ; Leukaemia PRIMARY OUTCOME: Reducing cortisol and prolactin levels SECONDARY OUTCOME: Not provided at time of registration INCLUSION CRITERIA: Not provided at time of registration