Art and storytelling in allergy and immunology

Background: Graphic medicine can provide a level of clinical connection when words fail. Objective: The objective was to describe the ways in which art and storytelling have contributed to the landscape of allergy and immunology communication. Methods: Narrative review of allergy/immunology literature that focused on art, artistry, and storytelling in allergy/immunology. Results: Art can provide an emotional connection that can facilitate learning and impact clinical outcomes. Across conditions treated in the allergy/immunology clinic, there is low-certainty evidence of potential improvements in clinical communication related to atopic dermatitis, asthma, and even anaphylaxis. Art can help to address challenges with patient literacy, clinician compassion, and feelings of patient and clinician isolation and stigmatization. Several artistic innovations have promoted medical education. Conclusion: Nonverbal communication is a powerful tool in clinical medicine. Leveraging art as a medium for storytelling and connection can serve as a tool to help deliver the right care, at the right time, every time. Graphic medicine and visual storytelling may complement traditional communication and educational approaches in allergy/immunology. Additional rigorous studies are needed to determine their effects on clinical outcomes and identify the patients and settings most likely to benefit.