Project Results by Linda Brake, Franziska Orth and Sarah Polzer
Linda Brake and Franziska Orth (both Medicine) dealt with questions regarding increased mortality risks in the context of surgical procedures performed after coronavirus infections and with the development of organ transplantation numbers in Germany In the context of the beginning of the pandemic. In addition, a third group member, Sarah Polzer (General Rhetoric) produced an illustrated interview series focusing on some among the many international experts contributing to the COVIDSurg Collaborative who became personally involved in the seminar:
Background on the Design Process
Our visualizations cover three independent topics: The first graphic illustrates the mortality risk connected with surgery after SARS-CoV-2 infection (by Franziska Orth), another graphic depicts the development of transplantation numbers in Germany during the pandemic in 2020 compared to the previous year (by Linda Brake) and an illustrated interview series introducing some of the experts involved in the COVIDSurg Collaborative (see link to "Hands Behind CovidSurg", by Sarah Polzer).
The starting point for the first graphic was the aim to make complex information more accessible and to sensitize affected persons and their relatives to the possible benefits of postponing surgery after SARS-CoV-2 infection. The bar chart intends to create a synthesis between scientific results and visually catchy elements. The former is reflected in the evidence-based display of results, the latter in the simplicity of the drawn appearance of the figure.
The starting point for the second graphic was the attempt to illustrate a piece of positive information in times of commonly negative news during the pandemic. The chosen visualizations are intended to make research results more accessible and to convey important information to the public in an easily understandable way.
The creative process was accompanied by our expert Joana FF. Simões, a young female surgeon from Portugal who is currently a research fellow in Birmingham. She has made substantial contributions to the research network COVIDSurg since its beginning in March 2020. COVIDSurg has been initiated at the University Birmingham and has since grown to a worldwide movement. An interview with Joana FF. Simões and further personal insights from our exchange with international experts from COVIDSurg can be found in the interviews of the "Hands Behind COVIDSurg" series, representing the third topic covered by our group.
