Louise Constancia

Biography and Expertise of Louise Constancia

Louise Constancia is a nurse scientist whose work bridges the demanding field of cardiovascular care with the nuanced practice of integrative therapies. Based at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, she has developed a focused research agenda on the validation and implementation of complementary practices within conventional healthcare settings. Her clinical specialization in cardiology provides her with a distinct and valuable perspective, enabling her to investigate the effects of these therapies on complex patient populations, such as those recovering from cardiac surgery.

Her expertise aligns closely with several core thematic axes of the 3rd WCTCIM. Specifically, her research into aromatherapy as a therapeutic modality contributes to the “Diversity of TCIM Modalities.” Furthermore, by conducting clinical trials in hospital environments, she directly addresses the “Integration of TCIM into Health Systems.” Her commitment to rigorous scientific methodologies, such as randomized clinical trials, underscores the congress’s emphasis on “Contributions of TCIM to Global Public Health (Evidence-Based),” reflecting the principles of the Gujarat Declaration.

Through systematic investigation, Louise Constancia contributes vital data on the efficacy and safety of practices like aromatherapy. Her work provides a practical model for how ancient knowledge can be evaluated through modern scientific lenses and integrated into patient care protocols to improve health outcomes. Therefore, her contributions are particularly relevant for healthcare professionals and policymakers seeking to expand evidence-informed, person-centered care models.

Academic and Research Career

The professional trajectory of Louise Constancia is defined by a consistent and focused progression within academia and clinical research. Her career path demonstrates a deliberate integration of specialized clinical knowledge with advanced research skills, aimed at improving patient care through evidence-based integrative nursing. Each stage of her development has built upon the last, establishing a clear line of inquiry from foundational nursing practice to doctoral-level research.

This journey, centered at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte and its affiliated hospital, showcases a commitment to advancing the scientific understanding of complementary therapies within the Brazilian public health system. Consequently, her experience provides a roadmap for developing a career as a nurse scientist in the growing field of integrative medicine.

• PhD Candidate in Nursing (2024–Present): At the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte, her current work involves advanced research to deepen the evidence base for integrative nursing practices.
• Master of Science in Nursing (2023): This degree provided her with the formal research training necessary to design and execute scientific studies, culminating in a master’s thesis on a topic within integrative care.
• Cardiology Nurse Specialist (2021): Completing her specialization at Onofre Lopes University Hospital equipped her with high-level clinical skills and a deep understanding of the needs of cardiovascular patients, which directly informs her research questions.
• Bachelor of Science in Nursing (2019): Her undergraduate education at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte provided the fundamental knowledge and skills for her nursing career.

Academic Qualifications

Louise Constancia has constructed a robust academic foundation at the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), a respected institution in Brazil. Her educational background is distinguished by its cohesive blend of general nursing science, specialized clinical practice in cardiology, and progressive training in academic research methodologies. This combination provides a comprehensive framework for her investigations into integrative healthcare.

Each qualification represents a critical step in building her unique expertise. This structured academic path enables her to design and conduct research that is both scientifically rigorous and clinically relevant, addressing practical challenges in patient care. Therefore, her training exemplifies the multidisciplinary approach needed to advance the field of integrative medicine.

• PhD in Nursing (in progress): Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Brazil. Expected to be completed, this doctoral program represents the highest level of academic training in her field.
• Master of Science in Nursing (MSc): Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Brazil. Completed in 2023, this degree solidified her skills in research and scientific inquiry.
• Specialization in Cardiology: Onofre Lopes University Hospital, Brazil. This postgraduate specialization, completed in 2021, provided her with expert-level knowledge in cardiovascular nursing.
• Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing (RN): Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (UFRN), Brazil. She earned her foundational nursing degree in 2019.

Research on Aromatherapy and Integrative Nursing

Louise Constancia’s research focuses on integrative nursing, aromatherapy, and cardiovascular nursing. She builds a scientific basis for complementary therapies in acute care, investigating their effects on patient outcomes like pain, anxiety, and well-being.

Her peer-reviewed publications provide evidence for these therapies. A 2024 clinical trial in *Explore: The Journal of Science and Healing* showed the efficacy of *Lavandula angustifolia* oil for postoperative pain in cardiac surgery patients. Reviews in *Heliyon* synthesize knowledge on this oil and on integrative practices in ICUs, guiding future research and clinical practice.

Her publications build the evidence base for the safe and effective integration of TCIM. Selected recent work:

• Silva, L. C. M. A. et al. (2024). Efficacy of aromatherapy with Lavandula angustifolia oil on postoperative pain after cardiac surgery: A randomized clinical trial. Explore: The Journal of Science and Healing, 20, 103034. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.explore.2024.103034
• Silva, L. C. M. A. et al. (2024). Integrative and complementary practices in Intensive Care Units: An integrative review. Heliyon, 10(22), e40333. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e40333
• Silva, L. C. M. A. et al. (2023). Use of Lavandula angustifolia essential oil as a complementary therapy in adult health care: A scoping review. Heliyon, 9, e15446-9. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15446

Connect with Louise Constancia

For more detailed information on the research and academic activities of Louise Constancia, her professional profiles are available through the following links. These platforms provide access to her scholarly publications and professional updates.

ORCID Profile: View Publications and Profile

Instagram Profile: Follow on Instagram