Beyond research dissemination: The unrealized power of visual abstracts to improve health care delivery

Abstract

Since the introduction of the visual abstract in 2016, more than 100 journals have adopted its use to disseminate scientific research. To date, 7 randomized cross-over trials have consistently reproduced its ability to disseminate research effectively. During the adoption of the visual abstract, there has also been a learning curve that has moved journals to dedicate more resources to it and create more formal guidelines. In parallel, the visual abstract has also had secondary gains of promoting clear communication and diversifying our editorial boards. Moving forward, the visual abstract is now ready to go beyond research dissemination to more directly influence patient care by adapting the tool for patient education, procedural teaching, research trial enrollment, or practice guideline nudges. Taken together, the visual abstract has come of age, and it is time to move beyond simply disseminating research.