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Visual Medicine & Spanish for Health Professionals

Using Graphic Medicine

Moretti, V., Ratti, S., Cucchetti, A., Fabbri, C. & Farinella, M., (2025) “Pancreas: Comic Biography of an Organ”, Graphic Medicine Review 5(1). doi: https://doi.org/10.7191/gmr.1020

How Graphic Medicine Can be Used

Graphic medicine is the intersection of comics and healthcare, where graphic novels, illustrations, and comics are used to explore medical topics, enhance patient education, and address various aspects of healthcare. It combines visual storytelling with medical knowledge, offering a unique way to communicate complex or emotional healthcare experiences. As healthcare professionals, there are many potential uses for graphic medicine, including: 

  • Patient education
  • Empathy and emotional support
  • Medical training
  • Health advocacy
  • Mental health support

Considerations

Audience

  • Patient Demographics

    • Consider the age, literacy level, and cultural background of the target audience. A graphic novel aimed at children may have a different tone, style, and complexity than one intended for adults or elderly patients. Similarly, cultural sensitivities, language, and any potential stigmas around health topics must be considered.

  • Healthcare Professionals

    • For healthcare professionals, the content should be relevant to their training needs, whether it’s teaching them empathy, enhancing patient communication, or offering new perspectives on clinical practice.

Content Relevance and Accuracy

  • Medical Accuracy

    • ​​​​​​​Ensure that the information provided in the graphic medicine piece is medically sound and reliable. Misinformation or oversimplification of medical facts could have serious consequences for patient understanding and safety.

  • Emotional Sensitivity

    • ​​​​​​​Medical topics can be emotionally charged. The content should address sensitive issues with care, particularly when it comes to serious conditions, mental health, or terminal illnesses. It should avoid sensationalizing or trivializing patients' experiences.

Visual Style and Design

  • Clarity and Accessibility

    • ​​​​​​​The artwork should be clear and easy to interpret. Overly complex or abstract illustrations might confuse patients or healthcare providers rather than enhance understanding.

  • Cultural Sensitivity

    • ​​​​​​​Ensure that the illustrations and characters are culturally appropriate and inclusive. Representation matters, so it’s important to feature diverse characters and settings that reflect the diversity of patients.

  • Tone

    • ​​​​​​​The tone of the graphic medicine should match the emotional needs of the audience. A lighthearted, humorous approach might work well for certain situations (e.g., reducing fear about a procedure), but other topics may require a more serious or compassionate tone.

Type of Health Issue Addressed

  • Chronic Illnesses vs. Acute Conditions

    • ​​​​​​​Some graphic medicine may be more effective for chronic conditions (such as diabetes, cancer, or mental health issues), as these often require ongoing management and a deeper understanding of the condition over time. Acute conditions, on the other hand, might need more direct and immediate explanations.

  • Preventive Health

    • ​​​​​​​Graphic medicine can also be useful in promoting preventive care, such as vaccination, healthy eating, or exercise, by making these topics more approachable and engaging.

Language and Communication

  • Plain Language

    • ​​​​​​​For effective communication, the language used should be clear, simple, and easy to understand. The visual nature of graphic medicine often helps explain concepts that might be difficult with words alone, but clear language still plays a crucial role in ensuring that the message is accessible.

  • Multilingual Options

    • ​​​​​​​In diverse communities, having graphic medicine available in multiple languages or dialects may be necessary to ensure broader accessibility.

Ethical Considerations

  • Confidentiality and Privacy

    • ​​​​​​​Ensure that any patient stories shared in graphic medicine (if based on real experiences) respect confidentiality and privacy laws (e.g., HIPAA in the U.S.). Any illustrations should avoid revealing identifiable patient information.

  • Informed Consent

    • ​​​​​​​​​​​​​​If using graphic medicine in clinical settings or research, be sure patients or participants are fully informed about how the content will be used, especially if it involves personal stories or experiences.

Engagement and Interactivity

  • Interactivity

    • In some cases, interactive graphic medicine (e.g., digital comics with animations, quizzes, or decision-making scenarios) may be more effective in engaging patients and prompting reflection or learning.

  • Level of Engagement

    • Think about how much engagement you want from the audience. Some pieces may simply aim to inform, while others may encourage the reader to reflect on their own health journey or make decisions related to their care.

Format and Accessibility

  • Digital vs. Print

    • Consider whether the graphic medicine will be delivered in a physical or digital format. Digital formats may allow for interactive features, while print formats might be more suitable for patients who do not have access to digital devices or for environments where digital access is limited (e.g., rural settings).

  • Accessibility for Disabilities

    • Consider how people with disabilities might interact with graphic medicine. For instance, ensuring that text is readable for people with visual impairments (large print, screen reader compatibility) is important.

Effectiveness and Evaluation

  • Research and Evidence

    • Evaluate the effectiveness of using graphic medicine by looking at available research or evidence of its impact on patient outcomes, knowledge retention, or emotional well-being. This helps ensure that the chosen resource is not only a novel tool but one that works in practice.

  • Feedback from Users

    • Collect feedback from patients and healthcare professionals who have interacted with the graphic medicine material. This can help refine future selections and ensure its effectiveness.

Cost and Accessibility of Resources

  • Affordability

    • Consider the cost of graphic medicine resources, particularly in healthcare systems with budget constraints. Some graphic medicine may be freely available, while others may require purchase or licensing.

  • Availability

    • Ensure that graphic medicine is available at the right time and place, such as in waiting rooms, patient education packets, or digital platforms, so that it’s easily accessible to those who need it.

Additional Readings

This list of readings adapted from Upstate Medical University Health Sciences Library can be helpful to contextualize how graphic medicine, comics, and other visual materials can be helpful in the health sciences.