MEDICAL
INFORMATION
FOR KIDS
INFORMATION
FOR KIDS
LATEST NEWS
05 Oct 2011 | Press Release
Comic books have been designed to attract people of all ages and to depict serious subjects and convey educational messages in a fun and engaging way. The 20th century gave birth to superheroes including Superman, Batman, and Spiderman, and in the 21st century there are some new medical superheroes on the block-Medikidz (www.medikidz.com). An article by Green and Myers explained that the use of graphic pathographies (illness narratives in graphic form) in medical education and patient care is becoming increasingly popular. These pathographies can be used to help patients who want to learn more about their illness and relate to a community of people affected with the same condition. Medical comic books also allow doctors to perceive new patient experiences and tackle any erroneous beliefs around the disease and treatments that could alter compliance and prognosis.
By doctors for children
Medikidz is an exciting phenomenon that couples the sovereignty of superheroes with medical information to capture the hearts of many young children with medical conditions. There are five superheroes who are specialists in different parts of the body. They take children on an adventurous journey around Mediland-a living, moving planet shaped like the human body. Each comic book is produced specifically for a single condition, using analogies to help children to understand medical jargon in simple language.
They cover normal anatomy, physiology, aetiology, pathophysiology, symptoms, and treatment options. As well as the comic books, there are pamphlets and brochures that explain paediatric licensed drugs and hospital investigations. With more than 30 titles translated into 17 languages and distributed in 35 countries, Medikidz has a global mission to reach out to sick children everywhere by offering professional, comprehensive health education through a multimedia platform.
Effective communication strategies
As medical students and junior doctors we regularly take children's histories, and whether in the emergency department, on the ward, or in a clinic we know that breaking the ice with children and gaining their trust is daunting, yet it is one of the most important parts of the consultation.
One way to make it easier for a child who is diagnosed with a certain condition or who does not adhere to their drug regimen, is to introduce them to books and pamphlets. Evidence has suggested that improvement in adherence to drugs can be achieved through the provision of effective information for educating patients about their disease.3 Spend some time and read the book together, and answer any questions that arise around the topic. It is rewarding to know that using simple metaphors to explain complex medical language can make a difference to a child's life. "I had heard of hyperglycaemia before, but they broke it down and explained it, which really helped" this was one of the feedback comments by an 11 year old child with diabetes who had read the book on type 1 diabetes mellitus.4 Clerking the child with an illness or symptoms will be easier to do because the child will be more willing to communicate aspects of their illness.
No one to turn to
When children are diagnosed with an illness, a difficulty they often face is not having anyone to turn to, and this vulnerable state can leave parents worried about their child. Aside from the comic books and pamphlets, Medikidz will soon be launching a children's online network. Children from around the world can connect to others with similar conditions, and they can form online communities and share information and experiences with one another. As this will be a safe and moderated environment, children will have the opportunity to befriend the superhero characters and share experiences with avatars of their conditions. Having this sense of community can have a positive influence on their psychological state, thus enhancing their confidence and further improving their condition.
Medical education in developing countries
One study evaluated the efficacy of comic books in educating children about burn safety in developing countries. Questionnaires were distributed before and after reading comic books and it was concluded that comic books were a valuable and cost effective means of delivering medical education to children.5 Supporting this study, Medikidz Foundation was set up to get children around the world involved in various campaigns. After the successes of HIV awareness in Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam, and leukaemia awareness at the Great Ormond Street Hospital in London, the aims of the campaigns have been outlined:
Connecting children worldwide
Comic books have evolved over several decades, and, with their universal appeal, important medical education can be delivered to patients in a fun and engaging form. Medikidz connects children worldwide regardless of their age, culture, or social class and has developed a fluid and powerful tool to ensure the right medical information is communicated to children across a number of touchpoints. Healthcare professionals, including medical students, can provide information about resources such as Medikidz and their various products and initiatives to ensure that children are not left vulnerable and alone when they are diagnosed with an illness.