Farinella, M., & Mbakile-Mahlanza, L. (2020). Making the brain accessible with comics, World Neurosurgery, 133: 426. 430. Retrieved from https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1878875019328062?via%3Dihub
ABSTRACT:
A study conducted in Botswana by Mbakile-Mahlanza et al. revealed that patients and their families were often ill prepared to manage the consequences of traumatic brain injury (TBI) and had limited understanding of the symptoms and their expected trajectory and effects. Individuals with TBI and their caregivers expressed a wish to be educated, because they believed having more knowledge would enable them to know what to expect and provide them with better strategies for caregiving. A 2006 review of health communication research concluded that illustrated material can increase the attention to, and recall of, the information presented. Graphic novels such as Neurocomic, have shown the potential of comics to engage thousands of readers worldwide with relatively advanced concepts in neuroscience. As championed by the Graphic Medicine community, comics have a lot to offer to the practice of medical communication, both in neurology and in other medical fields. Although it might seem counterintuitive to use cartoon characters and storytelling when discussing complex issues such as brain disorders, we should embrace this medium in the interest of our patients.