An arts-based educational exhibit on menopausal hot flashes

Abstract

Objective: To describe the development process, science, and symbolism of an arts-based educational exhibit designed to address myths, misinformation, negative imagery, and use of unproven treatments related to menopausal hot flashes. Methods: The development process included iterative and informal feedback from a variety of individuals, a partnership with an experienced exhibit designer, and collaborations between artists and scientists. Results: The resulting exhibit creates an environment where the public is immersed in accurate information about hot flashes. Although based on an iterative process, the resulting exhibit content reflects an estimated 500+ scientific studies, including those referenced in the NAMS position statements on hormone and non-hormone management of hot flashes. The seven main exhibit pieces convey scientific information and symbolize various aspects of women's experiences. Conclusions: This innovative exhibit has high potential to be a disruptive innovation to address the preponderance of myths, misinformation, and negative imagery surrounding menopausal hot flashes and potentially decrease use of unproven therapies.

Designing for Dissemination and Sustainability to Promote Equitable Impacts on Health

“…Implementation guidance products include implementation guides ( 39 , 152 ), knowledge management tools for informing evidence-based decision making ( 159 ), and multimedia informational briefs and education materials ( 67 ). Some particularly creative examples of public dissemination strategies include the use of applied theater to share findings from a study of prenatal genetic screening ( 74 ) and an arts-based immersive concept exhibit to disseminate evidence from more than 500 scientific studies of menopausal hot flashes ( 32 , 33 ).…”