Presented By: Crystal Zhu, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine
Co-Authors: Neoreet Braha, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine
Kayra Cengiz, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine
Nancy Donohoo, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine
Cassandra Lee, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine
Brandon Oddo, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine
Tony Robinson, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine
Emma Schmidt, Boston University College of Fine Arts
Noah Siegel, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine
Jonathan Wisco, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine

Purpose 
The use of drawings in clinical practice has promising applications in improving patient understanding and health outcomes, especially for patients with language barriers or lower health literacy. We designed and assessed the effectiveness of a brief video tutorial to teach physicians about aesthetic techniques previously shown to improve understanding of medical concepts. 

Methods 
In collaboration with a Boston University fine arts student, four Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine students designed a video demonstrating six aesthetic principles: layout, visual clarity, color, sequence and directionality, hierarchy, and style. We surveyed two neurologists, one pediatrician, and one radiologist on their attitudes and experience with clinical illustrations. We then asked them to draw out a concept related to their specialty, view the video tutorial, and modify their drawings accordingly. They then commented on the efficacy and practicality of the video. We used a phenomenological approach to analyze the data. 

Results 
All four physicians reported that they sometimes illustrate clinical concepts for patients but have never taken a course on clinical drawings. Only one physician had formal art training. Following the video tutorial, all four physicians reported increased motivation to incorporate clinical illustrations in their practice and described practical techniques that they could confidently use to improve their illustrations. 75% of respondents indicated time restrictions as the largest barrier to incorporating illustrations in their clinical practice. 

Conclusion 
A brief video tutorial about improving clinical illustrations increased physician motivation to utilize clinical illustrations and provided applicable tips for physicians to improve their visual communication. One factor that may need to be addressed is time constraints on physicians' ability to apply the most effective illustrations in clinical practice, perhaps by providing general templates or outlines for drawings.