Is laughter the best medicine? Patient-designed cartoons suggest so!
The cartoons were incorporated into a guidebook given to patients who have chronic kidney disease
London: As the saying goes, laughter is the best medicine, researchers from the University of Southampton put to practice the piece of advice, according to the Daily Mail.
Patients and scientists sketched cartoons about their experiences at the hospital in order to educate people and help them feel empowered about their illness.
The cartoons were seen as a motivational factor and not to lose hope. It also encouraged them to have a better lifestyle.
According to the report, “Humour is frequently and naturally used by people with chronic illnesses to help them adjust and understand what is happening to them,” explained Associate Professor Dr Anne Kennedy, who led the research.
“Our study has shown that cartoons could provide clarity to patients and be a way to engage with them. It is an untapped resource and could be a potential approach to support self-management.”