Communicating with patients through pictograms and pictures - a scoping review

BACKGROUND: Communication between patients and healthcare workers (HCWs) may on occasion be challenged by disparities in cultural background, age and educational level. Written educational material is commonly used to reduce the risk of miscommunication. However, literacy among patients may also differ and it is, therefore, speculated that the use of pictograms may improve patients' understanding and adherence.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the scientific literature and investigate the effect and practical utility of pictograms in medical settings with focus on dermatological patients.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: Pubmed, EMBASE, and Cochrane Library were searched July 2021 for studies regarding use of pictograms in medical settings and dermatology.

RESULTS: The use of pictograms in dermatology is not well characterized, but studies in other fields of medicine report a positive effect of using pictograms in communication. Pictograms have a significant positive effect when presented alongside verbal or written explanations.

CONCLUSIONS: The quality of the development process is important to ensure the utility of any pictogram. Involving the target population in the design and validation of the pictograms may be critical. In the validation process, testing of transparency and translucency may benefit from international recommendations.