Infographics Improve Comprehension and Recall at the Orthopaedic Journal Club

• Published in: Journal of surgical education Vol. 78; no. 4; pp. 1345 - 1349
• Main Authors: Hughes, Andrew J., McQuail, Paula, Keogh, P, Synnott, K
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Elsevier Inc 01-07-2021
• Subjects: Infographic; Information Graphic; Journal Club; Surgical Education; Technology; Visual Abstract; Surgical Education; Technology; Journal Club; Medical Knowledge; Information Graphic; Practice-Based Learning and Improvement; Infographic; Interpersonal and Communication Skills; Visual Abstract
• ISSN: 1931-7204; 1878-7452
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jsurg.2020.10.012

Information graphics, abbreviated to infographics, convey information using visualisations and images. This format of presenting research has been shown to be preferred by 80% of clinicians when compared to text articles.
The weekly Journal Club was audited within our institution over a period of 10 weeks. Five weeks of article presentations using plain text abstract displays preceded 5 weeks of infographic display. A multiple-choice questionnaire was constructed weekly so as to test the attendees’ recall and comprehension.
A total of 1036 multiple-choice questions were answered across the 10 weeks, which included 553 questions (53.4%) based on the standard Journal Club format, and 483 questions (46.6%) on infographic displays. The use of infographics saw significantly improved test results from 42% to 65.8% (p < 0.001). Questions were answered correctly 1.5 times more often following infographic introduction. Infographics were preferred over plain text abstracts by 78% of team members.
Infographics enhanced the audience's comprehension and recall of orthopaedic research when used as a presentation tool at the Journal Club. The majority of clinicians preferred infographic displays to plain text abstracts. Research was perceived as being more engaging, and thus more suitable for dissemination, such that key messages could be shared with surgeons, researchers and patients worldwide.