Visual aids in ambulatory clinical practice: Experiences, perceptions and needs of patients and healthcare professionals

PLoS One. 2022 Feb 2;17(2):e0263041. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0263041. eCollection 2022.

Abstract

This study aims to explore how visual aids (VA) are used in ambulatory medical practice. Our research group (two doctors, one graphic designer and one sociologist) have led a qualitative study based on Focus Groups. A semi-structured guide and examples of VA were used to stimulate discussions. Participants were healthcare professionals (HP) working in ambulatory practice in Geneva and French-speaking outpatients. After inductive thematic analysis, the coding process was analyzed and modified to eventually reach consensus. Six focus groups gathered twenty-one HP and fifteen patients. Our study underlines the variety of purposes of use of VA and the different contexts of use allowing the distinction between "stand-alone" VA used out of consultation by patients alone and "interactive" VA used during a consultation enriched by the interaction between HP and patients. HP described that VA can take the form of useful tools for education and communication during consultation. They have questioned the quality of available VA and complained about restricted access to them. Patients expressed concern about the impact of VA on the interaction with HP. Participants agreed on the beneficial role of VA to supplement verbal explanation and text. Our study emphasizes the need to classify available VA, guarantee their quality, facilitate their access and deliver pertinent instructions for use.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Aged
  • Ambulatory Care Facilities / statistics & numerical data*
  • Audiovisual Aids / statistics & numerical data*
  • Communication*
  • Delivery of Health Care / standards*
  • Female
  • Health Personnel / psychology*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Needs Assessment / statistics & numerical data*
  • Qualitative Research
  • Referral and Consultation*

Grants and funding

The funders (Edmond J. Safra Foundation) had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. Funds were used to pay for salary for one person to transcribe verbatims and fees for one author (JS), as well as for various costs related to the organization of the study. Three of the authors are employed by HUG, while one author: Julie Schneider is an independent graphic designer (at Altitude 436), her time producing materials for the study was financially compensated, without any conflict of interest. The funder provided support in the form of salaries for authors JULIE SCHNEIDER, but did not have any additional role in the study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript. The specific roles of these authors are articulated in the ‘author contributions’ section.