The objective of this study is to evaluate the efficacy of infographics, compared to standard PLS and scientific abstract format, in presenting information, in terms of understanding and remembering research results by physicians.
The investigators will conduct a randomized controlled trial (RCT) with three different formats of the same systematic review summary (Infographics, PLS, scientific abstract). The content of these three formats is based on the same systematic review, but the ways of data presentation will differ: visual presentation in plain language, plain language only, and text with scientific abbreviations. The interventions will be delivered online in January 2016, with physicians who are currently working at Clinical Hospital Split. The trial will be preformed online, and it will be voluntary and anonymous. The survey will consist of 5 parts, in the following order: 1) one format of the summary (randomly assigned), 2) health numeracy, 3) demographic data 4) comprehension test of the information given in the summary, and 5) user friendliness of information and overall satisfaction with the given summary assessed by survey.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
HEALTH_SERVICES_RESEARCH
Masking
DOUBLE
Enrollment
108
Text format with simple explanation of the survey topic main findings and is intended for lay audience.
Cochrane started developing infographics, where short textual information about research is supported by visual representations of the main findings and is also aimed at the lay public The investigators will examine whether this format is better in information uptake than standard PLS.
Scientific abstract the text written for the academic population and practitioners, with scientific abbreviations which enables experts to go into more detail about the topic.
University of Split
Split, Croatia
Understanding of the Content of Summary Format
The questions will focus on understanding the benefits and risks of the intervention and the quality of evidence described in the systematic review. In total, there will be 10 open ended questions, and the total score will be the sum of the correct answers (minimum 0, maximum 10). Higher scores would indicate higher understanding.
Time frame: One month (30 days)
Reading Experience
This section of the survey will include 5 questions about the experience of participants about the text they read, measured on a 10-point Likert type scale, where 1 means do not agree at all and 10 means fully agree. The total score is the sum of scores on all five answers (minimum 5, maximum 50). Higher scores would indicate higher, or more positive, reading experience.
Time frame: One month (30 days)
User Friendliness
This section of the survey will have 5 questions concerning how easy it was for the participant to find relevant information, measured by a 10-point Likert type scale where the answer 1 means I do not agree at all and 10 means I fully agree. The total score is the sum of scores on all the answers (minimum 5, maximum 50). Higher scores would indicate greater, or more positive user friendliness, meaning that participants consider that format as easier to find relevant information.
Time frame: One month (30 days)
This platform is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.