Using art therapy to reduce pain and anxiety for emergency department patients
Impact of Art Therapy on Self-Reported Pain and Anxiety Scores of Patients Waiting to Be Seen in the Emergency Department
This study is testing if coloring activities can help reduce pain and anxiety for patients waiting in the emergency department.
Quick facts
| Phase | Not applicable |
|---|---|
| Study type | Interventional |
| Enrollment | 168 (estimated) |
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Sponsor | Stony Brook University Academic / other |
| Locations | 1 site (Stony Brook, New York) |
| Trial ID | NCT05540106 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
What this trial studies
This study evaluates the effects of engaging patients in coloring activities on their self-reported pain and anxiety while they wait in the emergency department. Patients will be provided with nature-themed or geometric shape coloring packets, activity books, or blank paper and pencils to occupy their time during long wait periods. The aim is to determine if these activities can improve the overall patient experience by reducing anxiety and pain scores. This low-cost intervention could be a valuable addition to patient care in emergency settings.
Who should consider this trial
Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are adults over 18 years old who report moderate to severe pain and anxiety while waiting for treatment.
Not a fit: Patients who are at risk of aggressive behavior or require immediate critical care will not benefit from this study.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could significantly enhance the comfort and experience of patients waiting for care in emergency departments.
How similar studies have performed: While the specific approach of using art therapy in emergency settings is novel, similar interventions in other healthcare contexts have shown promising results.
Eligibility criteria
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Triage Pain Score \> 3 * Age \>18 * Able to provide informed consent * English-speaking * without concern for aggressive behavior * Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) of 15 * Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Anxiety (HADS-A) Score \> 6 Exclusion Criteria: * Concern for aggression risk, including active concern for suicidal or homicidal ideations * Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) \<15 * triage acuity requiring critical care evaluation
Where this trial is running
Stony Brook, New York
- Stony Brook University Hospital — Stony Brook, New York, United States (Recruiting)
Study contacts
- Study coordinator: Lauren M Maloney, MD
- Email: lauren.maloney@stonybrookmedicine.edu
- Phone: 631-358-6652
How to participate
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
- Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.