Background: Infographics are powerful and effective tools for communication and education. They consolidate key messages in an easy-to-read pictorial format, can be easily distributed, and require minimal resources to implement and maintain (1-3). Studies have demonstrated a large proportion of at-risk patients in rheumatology clinics are not screened for osteoporosis (4, 5). Although information is widely available, lack of disease awareness and inability to access available information may hinder the patient’s ability to seek care and treatment. There is a clear need for available evidence-based information to be better distributed and implemented for patients.
Objectives: To develop and pilot a low literacy infographic on risk factors of osteoporosis, aiming to improve patient knowledge and health seeking behavior. Data from this pilot study will be used to further improve the infographic, and inform feasibility for a larger scale study.
Methods: A sample of patients at risk for osteoporosis are identified and recruited in a tertiary rheumatology outpatient service. Baseline demographics, health literacy, knowledge regarding osteoporosis is collected. A low-literacy infographic is provided prior to their appointment. A structured interview is conducted on follow up to re-assess participants’ osteoporosis knowledge and gain feedback regarding the design and content of infographic.
Results: TBA
Conclusion: TBA
References
1. Hamaguchi R, Nematollahi S, Minter DJ. Picture of a pandemic: visual aids in the COVID-19 crisis. Journal of Public Health. 2020;42(3):483-5.
2. Ebrahimabadi M, Rezaei K, Moini A, Fournier A, Abedi A. Infographics or video; which one is more effective in asthmatic patients’ health? A randomized clinical trial. Journal of Asthma. 2019;56(12):1306-13.
3. Moll JM. Doctor-patient communication in rheumatology: studies of visual and verbal perception using educational booklets and other graphic material. Annals of the rheumatic diseases. 1986;45(3):198-209.
4. Ledwich LJ, Clarke K. Screening and treatment of glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis in rheumatoid arthritis patients in an urban multispecialty practice. JCR: Journal of Clinical Rheumatology. 2009;15(2):61-4.
5. Kyi L, Kovitwanichkanont T, Wang D, Walpola N, Raghunath S, Pignataro S, et al. AB1004 Osteoporosis screening in a tertiary rheumatoid arthritis clinic. who’s screening now? : BMJ Publishing Group Ltd; 2018.