Comics in the Time of a Pan(dem)ic: COVID-19, Graphic Medicine, and Metaphors

In this descriptive case series, we detail the theoretical basis, methodology, and impact of a small-scale pilot implementation of graphic medicine workshops as an innovative approach to well-being and resilience in the age of COVID-19 and increasing awareness of racial injustice. The data provided in this article are anecdotal and based on participation in the workshops. Images created during the workshops are also shared as examples of the types of reflection that graphic medicine can enable. The workshops themselves were designed collaboratively and are based on the theoretical principles of graphic medicine, narrative medicine, and racial and social justice. They were conducted as part of a larger wellness initiative and were offered to health care-focused faculty at our academic medical institution. Our findings suggest that this was a beneficial activity which helped participants to reflect and reconsider their experiences with the COVID-19 pandemic and surging awareness of racial injustice. Reflections also showed that drawings were correlated with ProQOL scores and may, in larger numbers, also help to mitigate or bring attention to issues of burnout in frontline providers. Drawings shared show the tremendous impact of COVID-19 and the simultaneous chaos and emptiness of practicing during dual pandemics. Our workshops engaged about 20 frontline health care providers and other health care faculty and highlight the utility of graphic medicine as a tool for building resilience and encouraging self-reflection. Further study is necessary, as is more rigorous analysis of the relationship between the graphics created and the ability to recognize and mitigate burnout.

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Graphic medicine: humanity in cartoon rats

British Journal of General Practice ◽

10.3399/bjgp13x673793 ◽

2013 ◽

Vol 63 (615) ◽

pp. 541-541

Author(s):

Euan Lawson

Keyword(s):

Graphic Medicine

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Annals Graphic Medicine - Oneness in Medicine

Annals of Internal Medicine ◽

10.7326/g18-0029 ◽

2019 ◽

Vol 170 (12) ◽

pp. W125

Author(s):

Naveed Shah

Keyword(s):

Graphic Medicine

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Annals Graphic Medicine - Dr. Mom: A Glossary of Electronic Medical Record Alerts

Annals of Internal Medicine ◽

10.7326/g19-0075 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 172 (1) ◽

pp. W26

Author(s):

Grace E. Farris

Keyword(s):

Medical Record ◽

Electronic Medical Record ◽

Graphic Medicine

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Reading graphic medicine at the National Library of Medicine

Journal of the Medical Library Association JMLA ◽

10.5195/jmla.2018.449 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 106 (3) ◽

Author(s):

Patricia Tuohy ◽

Judith Eannarino

Keyword(s):

History Of Medicine ◽

Cultural History ◽

Cultural Influences ◽

Well Being ◽

Collection Development ◽

National Library ◽

Development Activity ◽

Professional Literature ◽

Graphic Medicine ◽

History Of

The Exhibition Program, part of the History of Medicine Division of the National Library of Medicine, spotlights the collection of the library by creating exhibitions and educational resources that explore the social and cultural history of medicine. Our goal is to stimulate people’s enthusiasm for history and encourage visitors of all ages to learn more about themselves and their communities. We do what we do because we believe that health and well-being are fundamental human rights and are essential to our American way of life. And we believe exhibitions are a logical expression of that commitment.Oftentimes, exhibitions focus on underrepresented subjects or lesser-known types of literature, which helps to inform the library’s collection development activity. Collection development staff take a keen interest in viewing exhibitions, attending related lectures, and performing bibliographic research on topics that are unlikely to be captured in conventional scientific and professional literature. This heightened awareness leads staff to discover niche publishers, significant authors, and unique titles, thereby enriching the collection for future generations.Following the decision to embark on an exhibition about graphic medicine, collections staff more closely investigated this class of literature. This column explores how wider social and cultural influences can change the medical literature and inform and enrich the collections policies of an institution.

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