Coloring Therapy for Pain and Anxiety in Emergency Care
What You Need to Know Before You Apply
What is the purpose of this trial?
This trial explores whether coloring activities can reduce pain and anxiety for patients waiting in the emergency department. The aim is to determine if coloring nature-themed or geometric designs, using activity books, or doodling on blank paper can make the often stressful wait times more bearable. The trial is open to patients experiencing pain and anxiety, specifically those reporting significant pain and able to communicate in English. This approach could provide a simple, low-cost way to improve the experience for patients under stress in emergency care settings. As an unphased trial, this study offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative research that could enhance patient comfort in emergency settings.
Will I have to stop taking my current medications?
The trial information does not specify whether you need to stop taking your current medications.
Is there any evidence suggesting that this trial's treatments are likely to be safe?
Research has shown that coloring therapy is generally safe. Studies have found that coloring mandalas can reduce pain and anxiety in various situations, such as when burn patients undergo dressing changes. This suggests that coloring can be a calming activity.
For the Nature Coloring Packet, art healing and play therapy have effectively reduced pain and anxiety in children during medical procedures. This indicates that using art, like coloring, can be helpful without causing harm.
Regarding the Geometric Shape Coloring Packet, coloring geometric designs is often seen as a relaxing and stress-relieving activity. Many people use these books to unwind after stressful days.
Finally, for the Activity Book, combining coloring therapy with regular therapy has improved anxiety and depression. This means it can be a beneficial activity for mental health.
These findings support the idea that coloring activities are safe and can help with anxiety and pain, making them a low-risk option for stress relief.12345Why are researchers excited about this trial?
Researchers are excited about this trial because it explores creative therapies for pain and anxiety relief in emergency care settings, which is quite different from traditional methods like medication or cognitive-behavioral therapy. This study investigates whether simple, accessible tools like coloring packets and activity books can offer a non-pharmacological option to ease discomfort and stress. These activities engage patients in a calming, distraction-based technique that may alleviate symptoms quickly and without the side effects associated with medication. The trial aims to find out if these creative interventions can provide effective, immediate relief, offering a fresh approach to patient care in high-stress environments like emergency rooms.
What evidence suggests that this trial's treatments could be effective for reducing pain and anxiety in emergency care?
Research has shown that coloring can help reduce anxiety and pain. This trial will compare different coloring activities to assess their effectiveness in emergency care settings. Participants may engage in coloring mandala patterns, detailed geometric designs, as part of the Geometric Shape Coloring Packet arm. Studies have found that these patterns can lower pain and anxiety levels, especially in burn patients, suggesting they might also be helpful in other situations, like waiting in an emergency room.
Another arm of this trial involves using adult coloring books, which have been shown to reduce anxiety in emergency room patients, with effects noticeable within two hours. Participants may also be assigned to the Nature Coloring Packet arm, where they will color nature-themed images. While specific data on this activity is limited, the calming effect of nature scenes is well-known in art therapy.
Overall, these findings suggest that coloring both nature and geometric designs, along with using activity books, could help manage anxiety and pain during long waits in emergency care settings.16789Are You a Good Fit for This Trial?
This trial is for adults over 18 who can consent, speak English, and are not at risk of aggressive behavior. They must have mild anxiety (HADS-A Score > 6), be fully conscious (GCS of 15), and experience moderate pain (Triage Pain Score > 3) while waiting in the emergency department.Inclusion Criteria
Exclusion Criteria
Timeline for a Trial Participant
Screening
Participants are screened for eligibility to participate in the trial
Intervention
Participants engage in art therapy activities, such as coloring nature-themed or geometric shapes, to assess effects on self-reported pain and anxiety scores
Follow-up
Participants are monitored for changes in self-reported anxiety and pain scores after the art therapy intervention
What Are the Treatments Tested in This Trial?
Interventions
- Activity Book
- Blank Paper and Pencil
- Geometric Shape Coloring Packet
- Nature Coloring Packet
Find a Clinic Near You
Who Is Running the Clinical Trial?
Stony Brook University
Lead Sponsor