ABOUT DIAGNOSKETCH
Diagnosketch uses simplified images to illustrate complicated anatomy and concepts. The title, Diagnosketch combines the term ‘diagnosis,’ with the term, ‘sketch,’ paralleling how the book combines a medical diagnosis with a simplified sketch. It includes common pathologies in acute care: kidney stones, diverticulitis, back pain, gallstones, ovarian cysts, arthritis, and more. The 100+ images include diagnostic images, procedural images, and concept images. They convey complicated medical concepts quickly and simply.
Many patients are unfamiliar with human anatomy and common medical diagnoses. Research from the US Department of Education estimates that only 12 % of English-speaking adults in the US have proficient health literacy skills. Studies indicate that almost 90% of adults have difficulty understanding health information that is currently available. These patients are often unequipped to make important decisions about their health care.
Diagnosketch relies on the concept of ‘picture superiority effect.’ Picture superiority effect states that HEARING information will lead to 10% retention of the content, but HEARING and SEEING information leads to 65% retention of content. Diagnosketch not only explains difficult concepts but also helps patients remember them. Whether you are a physician trying to explain a complicated medical diagnosis to your patient or a nurse trying to calm a scared child before a procedure, Diagnosketch is the go-to resource for simple, quick, clear explanations.
A few things to remember about the images…..
| IMAGES ARE | IMAGES ARE NOT |
|---|---|
Geared for the patient’s understanding (health literacy is at 2nd-3rd grade level) | Geared for the medical professional |
Exaggerated (for clinical relevance) | Realistic and drawn to scale |
Simplified | Detailed |
Meant to be understood in 2-3 minutes at the bedside | Meant for detailed, sit down and study at a desk |
Based on questions patients really ask | Comprehensive to cover all aspects of a disease process |
What a patient needs to know | Extraneous information |
Diagnosketch is the visual guide medical professionals use with every patient at the bedside. Excellent medical care involves diagnosing and treating disease, but just as importantly, communicating well with patients. Diagnosketch helps achieve this goal.