Coloring Therapy for Pain and Anxiety in Emergency Care
Trial Summary
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 coloring therapy safe for humans?
How does coloring therapy differ from other treatments for pain and anxiety in emergency care?
Coloring therapy is unique because it uses adult coloring books as a form of relaxation to manage anxiety and pain, unlike traditional treatments that might involve medication or talk therapy. This approach is non-invasive and allows patients to engage in a calming activity, which can help reduce stress and anxiety in a busy emergency care setting.13567
What is the purpose of this trial?
The objective of this research is to assess the effects of engaging in coloring activities on patients' self-reported pain and anxiety scores while they wait to be seen by a physician in an emergency department (ED). The current literature on patient visits in the ED highlights the significance of anxiety, stress, and frustration in patient experiences, especially when accounting for long wait times before the physician-patient encounter. The study will address this common problem by looking at the potential impact of nature-themed or geometric shape coloring activities on the ED patient experience as it relates to self-reported anxiety and pain scores. Given that long wait times are increasingly being reported across the country, this study may offer a possible meaningful low-budget, low-resource intervention which could be offered to patients.
Eligibility Criteria
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
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
Treatment Details
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