Simply Sayin'

Kirstin Nackers, MD

There is a pediatric cardiologist at my institution with enviable drawing skills. His drawings of an anatomic heart rival most textbooks, and when deployed on a whiteboard, are easily modified to reflect the congenital heart defect or procedure he is explaining to the patient or trainee in front of him. I can't keep him in my pocket, but I dare say that the app Simply Sayin' is even better! Developed by the Child Life specialists at Phoenix Children's Hospital, Simply Sayin' can help you explain concepts to your patients and prepare them for common procedures across all specialties!

The app is organized in 4 main sections which can be found regardless of which section you enter first (Fig 1):

1. A glossary defines common medical terminology

2. The preps describe common procedures

3. Drawings of the human body and it's parts (some augmented to demonstrate equipment such as chest tubes), and

4. Pictures of procedures and the environments in which they occur.

Many of these are linked within the app. For example, if you open the MRI picture, you'll find a plain language definition of the term followed by a photograph of a standard MRI machine, audio files of the noises MRI machines can make, as well as a link to the longer prep materials which serve as more of an FAQ about the procedure. (Fig 2). Most of the text pages ar available in English and Spanish! Others, like the VCUG picture also include a direct link to drawing boards of male and female urinary systems (Fig 3). All the drawing boards allow you to annotate further, using your finger or stylus to help others visualize findings or procedures.

I use Simply Sayin as a teaching tool with learners, as well as with patients and families. Some patients may even be interested in using it directly! This free app is available for Android and iOS.