Evaluating how medical illustrations affect understanding and emotions
Official title: Advancing Medical Illustration in Patient Education Materials: From Art to Science. Study 1: Medical Illustration Design Characteristic Evaluation
Run by Northeastern University · NCT06435806 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study tests how different styles of medical illustrations can help people understand health information better and feel less anxious about it.
Quick facts
| Study type | Interventional |
|---|---|
| Ages | 18 Years and up |
| Sex | All |
| Enrollment | 8200 (estimated) |
| Sponsor | Northeastern University Academic / other |
| Locations | 2 sites (Boston, Massachusetts and 1 other locations) |
| Status | Recruiting |
| Started | March 25, 2024 |
| Main results expected | September 1, 2026 |
| Study ends | January 1, 2027 |
| Registry record updated | August 3, 2025 |
| Trial ID | NCT06435806 on ClinicalTrials.gov |
Is this trial a fit for you?
✓Likely a good fit
Ideal candidates are individuals over 18 years old who are fluent in English or Spanish and can independently consent.
✕Probably not a fit
Patients who do not speak English or Spanish or have visual impairments that prevent them from reading patient education documents may not benefit from this study.
A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.
What this trial studies
This study aims to explore how different medical illustration designs influence laypersons' understanding and emotional responses, particularly feelings of anxiety. Researchers will conduct cognitive interviews to gather insights on participants' interpretations of various illustrations and their preferences for illustration styles. By systematically varying design elements, the study seeks to identify which features enhance comprehension and reduce anxiety in viewers.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this study could improve the effectiveness of medical illustrations in patient education, leading to better understanding and reduced anxiety for patients.
How similar studies have gone: While studies on medical communication have been conducted, this specific focus on the emotional impact of illustration design is relatively novel.
Who can join: the full rules
Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria: * Over 18 years old * Speaks English or Spanish fluently * Is able to independently consent * Has adequate corrected vision to read patient education documents Exclusion Criteria: \* None
Where it's running
-
Northeastern University
Boston, Massachusetts, United States Recruiting -
Tufts Medical Center
Boston, Massachusetts, United States Not yet recruiting
Study contacts
- Principal investigator: Timothy Bickmore, PhD — Northeastern University
- Study coordinator: Timothy Bickmore, PhD
- Email: t.bickmore@northeastern.edu
- Phone: 6173735477
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How to take part
- Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
- Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
- Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.