Infographics on Sex and Gender Topics in Traumatic Brain Injury to Raise Awareness and Promote Quality Care: A Co-creation Study 1141

Abstract

Objectives

To create a series of evidence-based infographics on sex and gender topics in traumatic brain injury (TBI) to improve patient-family member communication and promote gender-transformative care after brain injury.

Design

We used an iterative participatory design consisting of 7 phases: (1) knowledge users’ needs assessment and evidence syntheses; (2) adaptation of content as simple text and visuals; (3) prototype design; (4) feedback from internal stakeholders; (5) infographic revisions; (6) feedback from external stakeholders; and (7) infographic optimization.

Setting

Scientific and knowledge translation activities were carried out at the largest rehabilitation research-teaching hospital in North America. Feedback on infographics was requested at a local, national, and international scale through brain injury organizations and networks.

Participants

People with lived experience of traumatic brain injury, professionals, scientists, and other brain injury and education experts.

Interventions

Not applicable.

Main Outcome Measures

We evaluated the infographics using accessibility measures, including the Flesch Reading-Ease score to assess readability and color contrast criteria as established in the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines. We also sought feedback from internal and external stakeholders on infographic content and design.

Results

We created a total of 6 infographics containing evidence-based information and actionable messages for injury prevention and providing quality care. The infographics contain text in a range of formats, such as paragraphs, lists, and blurbs, complemented by visual elements including cartoons, tables, and diagrams. The materials had an overall Flesch Reading-Ease score of 60.1, which is equivalent to grade 7/8 reading level, and color schemes met Web Content Accessibility Guidelines contrast criteria. The vast majority of participants found that the infographics facilitated understanding of complex topics and that they were useful, engaging, and visually appealing.

Conclusions

Engaging diverse stakeholders in iterative participatory design process facilitates the creation of knowledge translation materials that meet the unique needs of knowledge users, promote equity in information access, and enhance quality of care after traumatic brain injury.

This research was supported by the Cass Family Grants for Catalyzing Access and Change and, in part, Canada Research Chairs Programs (CRC-2021-00074, CRC-2019-00019) and the Global Brain Health Institute (GBHI), Alzheimer's Association, and the Alzheimer's Society UK Pilot Award for Global Brain Health Leaders (GBHI ALZ UK-23-971123). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.

Disclosures

none.