Analogic and symbolic dimensions in graphic representations associated with patient information leaflets for medicines

Bibliographic Data

ID18979603
AuthorsG Cohen (0000-0002-3220-1160, Twitter (United States), corresponding author), Pascal Moliner (0000-0001-9724-0139, Université Paul-Valéry Montpellier)
Year2022
Volume37
Issue5
Pages491-501
Publication date2022-10-20
Peer ReviewedYes
Open AccessNo
TypeARTICLE
VenueVisual Studies (JOURNAL)
Journal identifiersISSN: 1472-586X • E-ISSN: 1472-5878
PublisherInforma UK Limited (PUBLISHER • GB)
DOI10.1080/1472586x.2021.1900745
OpenAlexW3144798919
LanguageEN
Citations received2
References cited18

The aim of the present study was to assess the mental images associated with different categories of patient medical information, depending on literacy level. 52 participants divided into two groups (high vs. low literacy) were asked to draw the first picture that came to mind after reading or hearing information taken from leaflets supplied with medication. There were 16 items of information in total. The drawings were analysed using a symbolism grid. Results suggest that each group produced specific visual representations of the information items. Participants in the high-literacy group tended to draw symbolic forms to illustrate the medical information, while those in the low-literacy one mainly produced concrete forms. Each group had its own set of canonical forms. These findings underscore the need to use health pictograms in medical practice, providing they correspond to the social representations of individuals with low literacy, to ensure optimum treatment adherence and reduce the risk of misunderstandings

Cognitive psychology · Health care · Health literacy · Linguistics · Literacy · Pedagogy · Pictogram · Computer Science · Health Literacy and Information Accessibility · Misinformation and Its Impacts · Patient-Provider Communication in Healthcare · Psychology

Tools

Open DOI