Global Design Strategy for Cancer Patient Education Materials: Haiti Pilot Case Study

Abstract

Cancer care providers at Queen Elizabeth Central Hospital in Malawi identified a need for educational materials for their low‐literacy patients. Global Oncology, a nonprofit focused on improving cancer care, research, and education in resource‐limited settings, partnered with THE MEME to develop cancer patient educational materials (PEMs). The goal of the project was to create clinically relevant and culturally appropriate low‐literacy PEMs to improve clinical care, support services, and patient adherence in resource‐limited settings. The team also aimed to develop a product strategy and business model for long‐term sustainability. The article introduces the challenge from a global health perspective and the ways design can have a significant impact. It presents the collaborative process of developing the “Cancer and You” booklet for multiple cultural contexts and focuses on the results of a pilot study in Haiti evaluating the efficacy of the design in simplifying complex medical information, facilitating patient education, and improving communication.