An Interactive Web-based (WebGL) Educational Medical Visualisation to Enhance Public Understanding of Cancer Cachexia

Abstract

Cancer cachexia is defined as a progressive loss of muscle and fat tissue that promotes systemic inflammation and profoundly affects the quality of life. Even though cachexia is common in highly progressed cancer, there is a lack of knowledge about this condition, and limited resources are accessible as educational materials. This study attempted to fill this knowledge gap by creating, implementing, and assessing an interactive visualisation that would enhance an understanding of the condition, empathy, and involvement among medical professionals, patients, and the public. The study used a qualitative research approach guided by a literature review to achieve its objective. Data was collected through surveys and interactive walkthroughs. Data analysis was carried out thematically using Taguette, following Braun and Clarke's six-step model. Taguette is a free, open-source qualitative data analysis tool that allows researchers to analyse text-based data. The study resulted in five themes: Clarity and Understanding of Cancer Cachexia, as most participants felt they better understood and could recognise the processes occurring internally; Visual Communication and Aesthetic Design, where the use of colours and simplification was strengths, although participants suggested greater personalisation of the patient represented; Interactivity and User Experience, with the ease of navigation supporting engagement, although additional functionality including organs to toggle and cases to overlay, was suggested; Emotional Response and Sensitivity, which achieved a balance between clinical accuracy and sensitivity of patients’ emotions and values; and Education and Real-World Value which focused on the application of the tool in medical professional training, patient education and public awareness. Results suggest that interactive visualisations, based on evidence-based content and refined through qualitative feedback, can successfully simplify a complex biomedical concept to the lay audience. The tool showed the possibility of its health literacy enhancement and another way to question misconceptions and promote compassionate communication. Still, the study demonstrated some limitations, such as a lack of a diverse sample, limited patient input, and low sophistication of the available features that need to be addressed.