The purpose of this randomised controlled trial is to compare a new standardised summary format for presentation of synthesised evidence from systematic reviews for the public (a new plain language summary format) to the current format used in Cochrane systematic reviews. The study will evaluate if the new presentation improves understanding about the benefits and harms of an intervention, if it improves the accessibility of the information, and if it is preferred over other versions by the public over the current format.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Masking
QUADRUPLE
Enrollment
193
New plain language summary includes qualitative and quantitative description of text (absolute effects and natural frequencies provided); quantitative results provided in a table; quality of the evidence according to GRADE provided in a table; question and answer format; follows principles of linguistic frameworks (e.g. progressive movements from introduction to 'bottom line')
Current plain language summary includes qualitative description of effects only; inconsistent description of the quality of the evidence; paragraph of text; inconsistent flow of information
Argentine Cochrane Centre, Instituto de Efectividad Clínica y Sanitaria (IECS)
Buenos Aires, Argentina
University of Ottawa
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada
University of Milan
Milan, Italy
Norwegian Knowledge Centre for the Health Services
Oslo, Norway
Understanding of benefits and harms
Average proportion of people who answered 5 multiple choice questions correctly. Each question includes five response options about the number of people who could benefit or be harmed by the intervention and about the quality of evidence
Time frame: After reading summary - time 0
Number of questions answered correctly
Total number of questions out of five questions for benefits and harms that were answered correctly
Time frame: After reading summary - time 0
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Centro Cochrane Iberoamericano - Hospital de la Santa Creu i Sant Pau
Barcelona, Spain