[The potential of medical comics in rheumatology-Results of a standardized survey at the German Rheumatology Congress 2024].

BACKGROUND

Comics are increasingly being discussed as an innovative means of communication in healthcare. In rheumatology there has so far been a lack of studies on the acceptance and potential use of medical comics.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study was to determine the acceptance of medical comics among rheumatologists and to evaluate their potential for use in clinical practice.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

At the German Rheumatology Congress 2024 a total of 8 medical comics designed jointly in advance by patients and artists were exhibited. Congress participants were able to take part voluntarily and anonymously in a standardized online survey. Sociodemographic data, assessments of the comprehensibility and usefulness of the comics and their potential usability in everyday clinical practice were recorded.

RESULTS

A total of 94 people took part in the survey, 58.5% of whom had a specialist medical qualification. The exhibition was rated with a Net Promoter Score of 37.2%. The understanding effect was rated at 6.3 ± 2.7 and the potential to promote public awareness at 8.4 ± 1.8 (scale 0-10). Of the participants 78.7% could imagine displaying the comics in their practice or clinic and 63.8% were in favor of their use for therapy and diagnosis clarification.

DISCUSSION

The results show a high level of acceptance of comics among healthcare professionals and confirm their potential for use in education and communication. A structured further development of German language, medically validated comic formats appears to make sense.