Oncology nurses' experience of dimethyl sulfoxide odor

This article presents findings of an exploratory descriptive study on the e ffects of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) odor in an oncology unit. The nursing s taff, who had reported their concerns about the unpleasant odor emitted fro m patients undergoing peripheral stem cell transplantation, initiated the s tudy. A literature review revealed some evidence of the possible ill effect s on staff caring for patients having DMSO treatment, but many questions re main unanswered such as what staff experience in dealing with DMSO odor and whether nursing care is affected in any way? Data were collected through i nterviews with 22 oncology nurses who all had experienced direct and indire ct exposure to DMSO odor. Of the 22 nurses interviewed, 20 reported that th ey found DMSO odor unpleasant and reported experiencing physical symptoms s uch as headaches and gastrointestinal reactions. The study also revealed a situation in which nurses described odor avoidance and distancing strategie s that potentially compromised the nurse-patient relationship.