Virtual Poetry Workshops to Enhance Patient Well Being and Reduce Anxiety

Conditions studied

Dyspepsia, Gastroparesis, Anxiety, Depression

About this study

This study examines whether participating in poetry workshops can improve emotional well-being among patients with chronic digestive symptoms. Many individuals with long-standing digestive conditions experience distress, anxiety, isolation, and difficulty expressing their emotions in clinical settings. These emotional challenges can negatively affect daily life, relationships, and overall health. Poetry writing offers a creative and supportive way for participants to explore their feelings, express their experiences, and build emotional resilience. It also allows individuals to focus on aspects of their identity beyond their illness. The purpose of this research is to evaluate whether poetry workshops can reduce anxiety, lessen feelings of isolation, and strengthen participants' sense of community and well being. 1\. Why is this study being done? The purpose of this research study is to offer a creative outlet for patients to explore their identity and story, build resilience, and seek hope. This study is being done because we understand that the psychological discomfort that can come upon hearing a diagnosis can lead to increased anxiety levels, negatively impacting a patient's well-being and relationships. Often healthcare practitioners may merely view a patient through the lens of their diagnosis, neglecting other aspects of their identity and humanity. Through reading various poems, crafting their own poems, and sharing their work with their peers, we hope the workshops offer a comforting opportunity for the participants to explore their identities and creativity.

Interventions

• Behavioral: Poetry — participants will have the opportunity to craft their own poem and share their art with their fellow participants. This will be facilitated by one of the research team members who will help them craft their own poem.
• Behavioral: Poetry Manual — Participants will receive a written manual that will guide them on how to write poetry. they will receive one manual each week.

Primary outcomes

• Change in Anxiety and Depression Symptoms (Between baseline and 8 weeks after start of poetry sessions)
• Change in Dyspepsia Symptoms (Assessed from Baseline to end of poetry sessions (8 weeks))

Eligibility information

Study locations

• Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio 43210 United States