Rare diseases: 4 levers for clear, human and engaging communication
- Jeff JOLY
- Sep 17
- 3 min read
Communicating with patients and families affected by a rare disease means, above all, knowing how to make medical information accessible, reassuring, and impactful. At Popmyfilm, we have supported many players in the medical world on complex subjects, with a constant goal: to translate technical knowledge into understandable, useful, and hopeful messages.
Here are 4 concrete approaches – already successfully tested in our projects – that we recommend adapting to the specific needs of rare disease sectors.
(Images: © Popmyfilm 2025)
1. Give a voice to those who are experiencing the illness
Testimonies from patients and their loved ones immediately create a strong connection with the target audience. We've seen this in several film series produced for Boston Scientific, where patients themselves explained their journey: from hesitation in the operating room to the effects of treatments , notably in our immersive documentary on Parkinson's disease. Read the article
This type of format reassures, humanizes, and unites around a shared experience. For a rare disease sector, it is a powerful lever for creating connections with patients, but also for promoting the work of reference centers and associations.
2. Telling stories to make people understand better
Teaching is about storytelling : rather than overwhelming with jargon, let's tell stories. That's what we did with Jetstream™ , a cutting-edge medical device, with a series of scripted educational tutorials designed to guide professionals step by step. Discover the project
In another register, we have produced high-impact films to illustrate complex treatments such as Therasphere™ or critical limb ischemia (CLI) , by combining 3D animations, testimonials and clear storytelling. See the CLI project
➡️ Transposing these narrative codes to a rare pathology means making visible what is still too often invisible – and comprehensible what seemed out of reach.
3. Dare to express emotion differently
Touching on emotions doesn't detract from the seriousness of a message. On the contrary, it often helps to anchor its meaning in a lasting way. In our film on deep brain stimulation , we showed the patient's feelings, the hesitations, the doubts, the smiles after the operation. This sincere documentary approach generated very strong engagement on the platforms.
Rare disease sectors would benefit from using this format to raise awareness, mobilize or reassure people about long and often anxiety-provoking medical journeys.
4. Multiply formats to broaden impact
Today, effective communication also relies on the right distribution strategy . In addition to long films, we regularly produce short formats adapted to social networks , websites or events. In our articles on video call-to-action and on adapting formats according to platforms, we share these best practices. Generate leads with video - Adapt the format to each platform
A sector can thus adapt its messages according to its targets: patients, caregivers, professionals, the general public. And above all, commit over the long term .
Read our article on social media formats (Images: © Popmyfilm 2025)
Popmyfilm, an experienced partner at your side
Our expertise is recognized in the medical sector, with projects distributed in France and internationally. We put our creativity, rigor, and innovative tools (capture, motion design, 3D, AI) to work to address your specific challenges.
Among our notable collaborations, we can mention our work for the TETECOU sector , with the production of a presentation film and 16 interviews conducted during the annual day, to promote exchanges between doctors, associations and patients. See the project
Today, we're ready to translate this experience to serve all rare disease sectors. Whether you want to explain a treatment, promote a network, build connections, or share a personal story, we have the tools and expertise to support you.
Ready to make your industry shine?
Contact us now to benefit from our personalized advice and together design an effective, human and innovative video strategy.
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@EURORDIS, @GlobalGenes, @RareDiseasesIntl, @EveryLife Foundation for Rare Diseases, @NORD, @RareDiseaseUK, @CORD, @RareVoicesAustralia, @Orphanet, @APARDO, @Japan Patients Association, @China Alliance for Rare Diseases, @Rare Disease Foundation, @Findacure, @RARE-X
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