TED Talks Daily How comic strips create better health care | Sam Hester
Jan 12, 2022
Sam Hester, a passionate comics creator and designer, is revolutionizing healthcare through graphic medicine. She shares her personal journey, illustrating her mother's complex medical struggles with Parkinson's and dementia. By using comics, Hester emphasizes the power of visual storytelling to enhance empathy, communication, and understanding in healthcare settings. The conversation reveals how humor and relatable narratives can transform patient engagement and outcomes, making it a heartfelt discussion on advocating for patients' needs.
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Misunderstood Symptoms
- Sam Hester and her mom, Jocelyn, faced communication challenges due to Jocelyn's cognitive decline.
- Jocelyn's doctor dismissed her symptoms, failing to understand the impact of her hallucinations.
Graphic Medicine's Power
- Graphic medicine combines healthcare and comics to tell stories about illness, like graphic pathographies.
- These visual narratives foster empathy and understanding of patient experiences.
The Power of Simple Pictures
- Hester drew simple pictures to communicate her mom's needs to hospital staff.
- A nurse, guided by the drawing, provided appropriate support, demonstrating the effectiveness of visual communication.