Do visual aids influenced patients' risk perceptions for rare and very rare risks?

Abstract

To examine whether visual aids (a graphic representation and/or conceptual illustrations) influence patients' risk perceptions for rare and very rare risks. Participants were randomized to a scenario which varied by probability of infection (2% or 0.2%) and visual aid: numbers only, numbers + graphic representation, numbers + conceptual illustrations, or numbers + graphic representation + conceptual illustrations. Risk perceptions and likelihood of starting the medication were examined across the four formats, separately, in participants with and without a college education. Adding a graphic representation and/or conceptual illustrations did not affect risk perceptions among those with a higher level of education. Adding both a graphic representation + conceptual illustrations decreased risk perceptions and increased likelihood of starting the medication among participants randomized to the 2%, but not 0.2% scenario, among participants with lower levels of education. Adding a graphic representation + conceptual illustrations to numbers may influence perceptions for rare, but not very rare, risks among patients with lower education. Clinicians should be aware of the differential effects of visual aids developed to facilitate risk communication. Patients with higher levels of education may be less responsive to visual aids than those with lower education.