The Medical Writer as a Scriptwriter

In the digital era, medical communication has embraced new tools and platforms to reach a wider and more diverse audience. Among these tools, videos have proven particularly effective in raising awareness about complex medical issues. In this context, the medical writer assumes a new and fascinating role: that of a scriptwriter.

The Transformation of the Medical Writer

Traditionally, the medical writer is seen as the author of scientific articles, clinical guidelines, and medical documentation. However, with the evolution of communication, the skills of a medical writer can also be applied to the creation of multimedia content, such as informative and awareness-raising videos. It’s clear that in this case, it is necessary to develop storytelling and creative writing skills alongside the traditional expertise of a medical writer.

Read also:

• How to Become a Medical Writer
• Medical Writing for Peer-Reviewed Journals

Why Videos?

Videos have the power to capture attention, engage emotionally, and make even the most complex concepts understandable. For a general audience, often unfamiliar with the technical language of medicine, videos represent an accessible and immediate tool. They can be distributed through various platforms, from social media to the websites of healthcare organisations, thus reaching a vast and diverse audience.

The Video Creation Process

1. Research and Information Gathering: as with any medical writing project, the first step is the accurate collection of information. The medical writer must thoroughly understand the disease or medical topic to be addressed, accessing reliable and up-to-date sources. This includes clinical studies, guidelines, and expert opinions.
2. Defining the Audience: it is crucial to clearly identify the target audience. For example, a video on diabetes prevention will have a different approach if aimed at children compared to one aimed at adults. Understanding the demographic characteristics and needs of the audience guides the choice of tone and style of the video.
3. Script Creation: the script is the heart of the video. The medical writer, in the role of scriptwriter, must translate complex information into an engaging narrative format. This includes:Introduction: present the topic in an engaging way.Main Content: explain the disease, symptoms, causes, consequences, and methods of prevention or treatment.Conclusion: summarize the key points and include a call to action, such as consulting a doctor or visiting a website for more information.
4. Visual and Interactive Elements The visual aspect is crucial. The medical writer collaborates with designers and animators to create images, graphs, and animations that support and clarify the message. The use of visual elements makes the video more dynamic and understandable.
5. Review and Feedback Once the script is complete, it is important to submit it for review by medical experts and potential viewers. Feedback helps ensure the accuracy of the information and the communicative effectiveness of the video.

The Impact of Awareness-Raising Videos

Well-made videos can have a significant impact on public awareness. They can educate, correct misinformation, and promote healthy behaviors. For example, a video on skin cancer prevention can teach people the importance of sun protection and regular dermatological check-ups.

Click here to watch the video we created in collaboration with the Rare Diseases Observatory and the Italian National Association for Pituitary Diseases.

Conclusions

The role of the medical writer as a scriptwriter for informative videos represents a new frontier in medical communication. By combining scientific and narrative skills, the medical writer can help create content that not only informs but also inspires and engages the audience. In an increasingly digital world, the ability to convey medical knowledge through videos is a valuable and growing skill.