The use of visual images to convey complex messages in health settings
Findings from a project that sought to evaluate the use of visual images to convey quality improvement messages to healthcare professionals.
Visual tools are increasingly used in healthcare settings to improve the quality of care provided. While there are a number of tools and frameworks that focus on how to create effective visual tools, there has been little evaluation of their perceived efficacy.
The paper The use of visual images to convey complex messages in health settings: Stakeholder perspectives presents findings from a project that sought to evaluate the use of visual images to convey quality improvement messages to healthcare professionals.
The study employed a practice approach based predicated on a social constructionist standpoint. Semi-structured interviews with 26 healthcare professionals and participant observation were used to garner user perspectives. The study presents and discusses a thematic analysis of the interview talk, focusing on four emergent themes: design; facilitated insight; data density; and co-creation. Two positive conclusions are drawn - first, that the visual communication of complex messages to healthcare professionals can provide an efficient and effective mode of communication, and second, that co-creation and inclusivity are key to success.
The research setting was a UK Clinical Commissioning Group, yet the findings are readily translatable to other healthcare environments.
The accepted version of the paper The use of visual images to convey complex messages in health settings: Stakeholder perspectives can be downloaded at City Research Online.
The article was published by Taylor & Francis in International Journal of Healthcare Management.
