Patient-Controlled Ambient Light to Reduce Pre-Visit Anxiety in Dermatology Patients

Many patients feel anxious while waiting to see a dermatologist, especially in clinics that diagnose and treat skin cancer. The purpose of this study was to learn whether spending 10 minutes before the visit in an exam room lit by a tabletop colored-light device, which patients control themselves, lowers anxiety compared with usual room lighting. Adult patients at one Stanford dermatology clinic were assigned by clinic week: during intervention weeks the device was on and patients could choose its color and brightness with a handheld remote; during control weeks the room had standard lighting. Patients answered short questionnaires about how they felt when they arrived and again after 10 minutes in the room.

Inclusion Criteria: * Age 18 years or older * Scheduled for an outpatient appointment with the study dermatologist during the study period * Able to read English and provide informed consent Exclusion Criteria: * Known photosensitive epilepsy or seizure disorder triggered by colored lights * Significant visual impairment that would prevent perception of ambient light * Prior participation in this study