Educational Series:
Using health communication materials effectively
Using Flipcharts/ Flipbooks or Flash cards
What are Flipcharts/ Flipbooks or Flash cards
• A flip book or flip chart is a small book with a
series of pictures and instructions that change
from one page to the next. The entire
flipchart / flipbook may consist of a linear
sequence of items that provide knowledge,
address attitudes and visually show the steps
in the behavior change.
• A flip chart is
• A visual medium
which helps to
inform (I), educate
(E), or
communicate (C)
important
information on a
particular health
topic.
• Flash cards are set of
usually colorful cards
having information or
educational messages
with visuals showing
behavior change
communication
• Helps people to
understand messages
of healthy behaviour
adoption better
Why use flip books?
• The Flip Book allows users illustrate the items and
actions that have to communicated to a client.
• It helps in making a presentation.
• It is like a short movie on a particular topic without
use of power
• The flip books also help in quick recall with a glance
at the video.
Why use flip charts?
• Allows for interaction with the audience member or
group.
• Useful way of interacting with audience to present ideas
• Immediate discussion of feedback and input from
audience
• Can help audience understand the logical flow of the
change process
Why use flash cards?
• They are very handy
• A great way to present and practice the messages
• Can be incorporated into group activities
• They help remember the content easily and are
useful for recall (remembering)
What will this presentation teach you?
It will teach you
how to plan their
use
how to use them on
field
EFFECTIVENESS TIP
Do your homework
properly and read the
flash cards and
understand the behavior
change process before
using flash cards or flip
charts.
Read more ahead…
How to use Flashcards / Flipbooks or Flipcharts?
There are two broad stages to using flashcards and
flipbooks or flipcharts for behavior change
communication (BCC).
Stage 1: Planning prior to use
Stage 2: Actual use on the field with client(s)
Phase 1: Planning prior to use of flashcards/flipbooks
• Identify the key behaviors that is being promoted in
the specific flashcards/flipbook and understand all
the items related to that behavior or its change.
• Become familiar with the images and text of the
flashcards/flipbooks by reading it at least 2-3 times
prior to actual use.
• Do your homework by identifying possible obstacles
to the behavior change promoted by the
flashcard/flipbook.
• Identify the services, names and timings of the
health facilities being promoted in the
flashcards/flipbook.
Phase 2: Using flashcards/flipbooks on the field
• Greet the person by
name and build
rapport.
• Hold the
flashcards/flipbook in
front of you and make
sure your audience
has a clear view of the
flashcards/flipbook.
• Ask the person/s what they see in the
flashcard/flipbook
• Initiate discussion based on the visuals
• Show and talk about the important behaviors at
least 2 to 3 times
• Discuss how the key behavior can be adopted and
how it fits into the daily life and routine of the
audience.
• Address situational issues and concerns for e.g.
transport, clinic timings, lack of time etc.
• The discussion of their situational and personal
concerns is critical to ensure behavior change.
Refrain from only talking general or genric
messages of change at this point. Contextualize
the conversation to the personal circumstances
of the client or community.
• Plan the actions to be done
by the client and follow-up
• Repeat/reinforce key
messages
• Confirm decisions and
provide a follow-up action
plan with next
appointment.
• At the end at the end of the viewing of the
flashcards/flipbook always encourage the clients
in your group to go back to their communities
and workplaces and discuss the behavior and
behavior change with their family and
community members.
Self assessment
Answer in your own words
1. What home work should be
done before using flip charts
and flash cards?
(at least two ways of preparing)
Answers
• Identify the key behavior(s) that is being promoted
• Become familiar with the behavior, the knowledge and
action items related to the behaviors and its change
• Familiarize yourself with the images and text by reading
it at least 2-3 times prior to actual use
• Do your homework by identifying possible obstacles to
the behavior change promoted
• Identify the services, names and timings of the health
facilities being promoted
• Ensure that the discussion is also about personal and
situational barriers and adapt messages to the local
circumstances of client and community.