Scientific infographic on robotic surgery: Evaluation of science health communication through storytelling and information design

Scientific communications help individuals to be better informed on health issues. Robot-assisted surgery is currently a topic of growing concern within private health sector in Mexico and, eventually, it will also reach the public health system; however, the gap among the population in terms of health knowledge affects their ability in decision making when it comes to personal treatment. The objective of this project is to evaluate a scientific infographic about robotic surgery. The informative quality of the contents was tested, as well as the visual storytelling produced by Medical Illustration, and their ability to bring the subject closer to the people. This qualitative study situated in Puebla, Mexico, included participants who were selected using a non-probability sampling technique and divided into four groups. For the first three groups, open-ended interviews and observations were conducted. For the fourth group, data was collected using an online form. Findings suggest Information Design practices are effective strategies that strengthen infographic results, therefore helping to optimise the informative experience by using a variety of visual representations to enhance its storytelling. This is translated to augmenting infographic's explanatory and informative richness, triggering deeper interest and understanding in the subject of robot-assisted surgery.