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.