In the fast-paced world of emergency departments (EDs), anxiety runs rampant, exacerbating the chaos of long wait times and overcrowding. But what if a simple solution lay within the strokes of a coloring book?

Enter art therapy—a nonpharmacologic approach gaining traction for its potential to alleviate anxiety. Recent research at Westmead Hospital in Sydney, Australia, delved into the efficacy of adult coloring books as a remedy for ED-induced stress.

In a groundbreaking randomized controlled trial (RCT), patients were provided with either coloring packs featuring mindfulness images or placebo packs with blank sheets and a pen. The results? Astounding.

Within just two hours, patients who immersed themselves in coloring reported significantly reduced anxiety levels—a testament to the power of art therapy in soothing frayed nerves amidst the chaos of the ED.

But the study wasn’t without its nuances. Questions lingered about its small sample size and the lack of blinding, while patient hesitance to engage with art therapy highlighted potential barriers to its widespread adoption.

Yet, amidst these considerations, the study illuminated a beacon of hope—a simple, cost-effective intervention that could revolutionize ED care. By embracing innovative solutions like art therapy, healthcare providers can offer a more holistic approach to patient well-being in the tumultuous landscape of emergency medicine.

So, as we navigate the complexities of modern healthcare, let’s not overlook the therapeutic potential of a humble coloring book. In its pages, we find not just creativity, but a canvas for healing anxious minds in their time of need.

Rajendran N, Mitra TP, Shahrestani S, Coggins A. Randomized Controlled Trial of Adult Therapeutic Coloring for the Management of Significant Anxiety in the Emergency Department. Acad Emerg Med. 2020 Feb;27(2):92-99. doi: 10.1111/acem.13838. Epub 2020 Jan 20. PMID: 31957143.