Abstract
75984 Enhancing Melanoma Patient Education Through Animation: A Prospective Study of Patient Comprehension and Anxiety
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Vol.95(1 Suppl), p.AB198
07/2026
DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2026.04.805
Abstract
Background: Melanoma patients often experience significant anxiety and uncertainty regarding prognosis and surveillance. Traditional counseling is constrained by time and variable health literacy. Video-based education provides a scalable, standardized approach that may improve comprehension and reduce distress, yet its role in melanoma remains underexplored. We developed and evaluated a brief animated video to address these needs.
Methods: A five-minute animated video was created in collaboration with dermatology faculty at the University of Iowa. The intervention was embedded in a Qualtrics survey assessing demographics, baseline knowledge, and anxiety, with repeated measures after viewing. Eligible participants included adults with a current or prior melanoma, those undergoing biopsy for suspicious lesions, and high-risk individuals. Surveys were completed during dermatology visits using clinic iPads or personal devices.
Results: A total of 102 patients completed the survey (53% female; mean age 58.6 years). Most reported a prior (52%) or current (32%) melanoma diagnosis. Nearly all participants (96%) indicated improved understanding. Mean comprehension scores increased from 3.86 to 4.16 on a 5-point scale (p < .0001). Younger age was modestly associated with larger gains (ρ = –0.24, p = .02). Anxiety scores improved from 2.73 to 3.32 (p < .0001), with modest improvement in composite anxiety (p = .047). Overall, 96% would recommend the video, and 60% wished they had received it earlier.
Conclusion: A brief animated video significantly improved comprehension and reduced anxiety among melanoma patients. These findings support video-based education as an effective adjunct in dermatology care and highlight opportunities to improve patient education.
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- 75984 Enhancing Melanoma Patient Education Through Animation: A Prospective Study of Patient Comprehension and Anxiety
- Creators
- Jaden Troxel - University of IowaDaniel Haws - University of IowaMaggie Landherr - University of IowaLuke Geis - University of IowaLaura Correa Ferrer - University of IowaNicole Negbenebor - University of IowaVincent Liu - University of IowaJennifer Powers - University of Iowa
- Resource Type
- Abstract
- Publication Details
- Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, Vol.95(1 Suppl), p.AB198
- DOI
- 10.1016/j.jaad.2026.04.805
- ISSN
- 0190-9622
- Publisher
- Elsevier
- Language
- English
- Date published
- 07/2026
- Academic Unit
- Dermatology; Pathology; Orthopedics and Rehabilitation
- Record Identifier
- 9985180970802771
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