Developing a tool for assessment of infographics aimed at people living with Vascular Dementia

Abstract

AbstractIntroductionPeople living with vascular dementia (VaD) have an altered neuropsychological profile, including visuospatial deficits, decreased attention, altered colour perception and executive function problems. Because of this, they perceive and interpret information differently, thus we cannot assume that they read and absorb information in the same format as cognitively healthy individuals. This paper reviews current infographics available for patients with VaD and the appropriateness of information delivery within these documents.MethodsA literature review identified the ideal features of infographic design that allow people living with VaD to engage with the infographic. Many of these ideal infographic features are not found within existing VaD resources. We developed a rating scale for the construction of future infographics, and infographic examples to ensure optimal accessibility and understanding for people living with VaD. A questionnaire was distributed to dementia clinicians across the UK to validate the scoring system and assess their views on current infographics available. A focus group of people living with dementia and their carers reviewed prototype infographics and fed back to the research team about how best to use infographics in dementia care.ResultsThe literature review suggested the most important factor that determines ability of an infographic to transfer information to people living with VaD was text formatting. Of 164 clinicians the questionnaire was distributed too, we had 36 respondents (22% response rate) across 9 health care occupations. 35 (97%) believed that infographic material is useful in the memory clinic setting but only 21(58%) use these resources. Care providers felt that the most important feature of infographic design is the use of graphics (56.3%), followed by language (37.5%). The general consensus was that information should be kept simple, concise and complemented by pictures, and patients should be involved in infographic development to incorporate their opinions. Patient groups identified that having infographic information that evolved in complexity as the disease progressed would be best for patients.ConclusionWe have developed a framework for infographic design specifically aimed at those living with VaD. This framework can be used to develop infographics best suited to the altered neuropsychological profile in VaD.