Evidence-based infographics and visual communication as powerful tools to improve health outcomes

BACKGROUND: Anemia can double the risk of death in pregnancy, with women in developing countries being the most at risk. Adherence to an iron supplementation regimen can markedly improve overall health outcomes for those who are affected by iron deficiency anemia. Still, most adherence-boosting programs require significant counseling time with a primary care provider, a resource that is becoming increasingly scarce. In our review of the literature, we explored infographics and other visual science communication tools for their ability to improve medication adherence, with a special focus on low literacy populations in the developing world. With the results of this review being favourable, we conducted a subsequent literature search on factors that can amplify the useful effect of infographics. METHODS: We conducted a literature search on PubMed, Ovid MEDLINE, CINAHL, Web of Science, and PsycInfo to identify literature on effective visual science communication techniques. Techniques from the literature were then compiled and sorted into the categories of “DOs” or “DON’Ts” of developing impactful infographics. These guidelines were then utilized to develop an infographic depicting an iron supplementation regimen for pregnant women. RESULTS: 27 recommendations on developing effective and impactful infographics were identified from the literature. These included, but were not limited to, the following: utilize accompanying text that is understandable at a low literacy level to prevent misinterpretation of the message depicted through pictogram(s), and use a culturally-sensitive lens to design images that would be easily relatable among the target cultural demographic. These recommendations were adapted to develop an evidence-based infographic. CONCLUSIONS: Our review of effective visual science communication techniques supports the importance of using evidence-based methods to develop infographics that are effective among a range of demographics and medical conditions. KEY MESSAGES: • Evidence-based infographics and visual science communication tools can amplify the effectiveness of science and health communication. • Infographics and visual science communication tools can be applied to a variety of literacy levels and medical conditions to improve patient outcomes.