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A Scoping Review of Graphic Medicine Interventions to Promote Changes in Health Behavior, Health Service Engagement, and Health Outcomes

Author

Listed:
  • Sarah Febres-Cordero

    (Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Athena D. F. Sherman

    (Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Biyeshi Kumsa

    (Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA)

  • Meredith Klepper

    (School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA)

  • Fawas Shanun

    (Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA)

  • Sophie Grant

    (Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA)

  • Brenice Duroseau

    (School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA)

  • Sharon L. Leslie

    (Woodruff Health Sciences Center Library, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA)

  • Pranav Gupta

    (School of Medicine, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA)

  • Abigail Béliveau

    (School of Nursing, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599, USA)

  • Patti Landerfelt

    (Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA)

  • Sydney Cohen

    (Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA)

  • Carissa Lawrence

    (School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA)

  • Whitney Linsenmeyer

    (Nutrition and Dietetics, Saint. Louis University, Saint. Louis, MO 63103, USA)

  • Molly Szczech

    (Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA)

  • Monique S. Balthazar

    (Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA 16802, USA
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

  • Don Operario

    (Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA 30322, USA
    These authors contributed equally to this work.)

Abstract

Low health literacy is a known contributing factor to poorer patient outcomes. Health information is often presented through materials written at high reading levels and thus may be an ineffective education tool for patients of diverse socioeconomic backgrounds, age ranges, and education levels. Graphic medicine (i.e., healthcare concepts presented through illustrations, such as comics or cartoons) may be a more equitable and efficacious format for many patients. The purpose of this review was to describe the efficacy and use of graphic medicine interventions regarding health outcomes, behavior changes, and engagement with health services. Nine databases were searched for studies that were randomized controlled trials in the English language, published before 4 December 2023. The searches identified 34 research articles that met the inclusion/exclusion criteria. This review revealed four key takeaways: (1) graphic medicine interventions are used globally; (2) graphic medicine interventions may be efficacious for a wide variety of health topics; (3) graphic medicine can be equitably delivered in many formats; and (4) graphic medicine can be applied broadly across the lifespan. The findings suggest that graphic medicine enhances patient engagement, empowers individuals with knowledge, and ultimately contributes to improved health outcomes across various populations; however, more effectiveness trials are needed. Additionally, an expanded definition of graphic medicine is presented.

Suggested Citation

  • Sarah Febres-Cordero & Athena D. F. Sherman & Biyeshi Kumsa & Meredith Klepper & Fawas Shanun & Sophie Grant & Brenice Duroseau & Sharon L. Leslie & Pranav Gupta & Abigail Béliveau & Patti Landerfelt , 2025. "A Scoping Review of Graphic Medicine Interventions to Promote Changes in Health Behavior, Health Service Engagement, and Health Outcomes," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 22(5), pages 1-42, April.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jijerp:v:22:y:2025:i:5:p:657-:d:1639752
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