The visual abstract as a means of disseminating research in medical education

Abstract

Today, more and more journals are involved in the creation of visual abstracts. It is a simple, concise, and graphic summary that includes the methodology and the most relevant findings of an article. It has the characteristic of being easily interpreted and understood by someone who has not read the full text of the article from which it comes. It is presented in a graphic design that combines icons, predefined structure, and colors. It is usually carried out by the authors themselves as well as by the editors of the magazines. The main objective of a journal when displaying visual abstracts is to increase its presence on social networks and thereby indirectly increase the number of readers of its research articles, thus increasing citations and impact factors. Research in medical education helps enhance learning through new techniques, tools, and resources. An increase in the reading of this type of research and the attraction of readers through visual abstracts would have a positive impact in the classroom. In addition, it will allow medical students to take on the role as creators and consumers. The inclusion of visual abstract design as a poster presentation at academic meetings and conferences is a novel suggestion. The recommendations set forth in this article seek to promote the use of visual abstracts as a means of disseminating research in medical education.