Developing infographics to communicate COVID-19 rapid review conclusions in South Africa

Date & Time
Wednesday, September 6, 2023, 11:25 AM - 11:45 AM
Location Name
St James
Session Type
Oral presentation
Category
Communicating evidence including misinformation and research transparency
Oral session
Communicating evidence
Authors
Gloeck N1, Kredo T1, Galloway M1, Oliver J1
1Cochrane South Africa, South African Medical Research Council, South Africa
Description

Background: The South African National Department of Health (NDoH), members of the National Essential Medicines List Ministerial Advisory Committee (NEML-MAC) on COVID-19 Therapeutics, and the South African GRADE Network, co-led by Cochrane South Africa (SA) and the Centre for Evidence-Based Health Care, collaborated on rapid evidence reviews to inform the National Essential Medicines List and Guidelines for COVID-19 management since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020. A strategy was needed to communicate the findings of these rapid reviews to healthcare professionals managing COVID-19 in South Africa (SA).
Objectives: To develop infographics of rapid reviews to aid access for healthcare professionals to reliable, high-quality evidence to inform decisions around COVID-19 management in SA.
Methods: We collaborated with a graphic designer to create relevant infographics from rapid reviews. Infographic topics were prioritised in consultation with the NEML-MAC on COVID-19 Therapeutics. We worked with the designer to ensure correct content and readability. The final graphics were sent to the NEML-MAC on COVID-19 Therapeutics members for a final content check and sign off. Infographics were then shared with the NDoH and uploaded on their website (https://www.health.gov.za/covid-19-rapid-reviews/).
Results: Four infographics of rapid reviews were developed for the use of baricitinib (Figure 1), inhaled corticosteroids (Figure 2), oral corticosteroids (Figure 3) and ivermectin (Figure 4) to treat COVID-19. These were shared on the NDoH website, on social media and among academic networks. A COVID-19 inpatient and outpatient management algorithm infographic is also currently under development.
Conclusions: It is important to translate research into digestible information packages for healthcare professionals to access and be able to use. Infographics are a useful means to communicate these findings in an understandable and readable product which can be shared easily and widely.
Patient, public and/or healthcare consumer involvement: Shared with healthcare professionals through the NDoH website, social media and professional networks.

Figure 1.pdf
Figure 2.pdf
Figure 3.pdf
Figure 4.pdf