How to apply the new guidance for plain language summaries for Cochrane Diagnostic Test Accuracy Reviews to an example review

Article type
Authors
Whiting P1, Davenport C2, Santesso N3, Mustafa R4
1University of Bristol
2University of Birmingham
3Cochrane Canada, GRADEing Methods Group, McMaster University
4University of Kansas Medical Center
Abstract
Background:
A plain language summary (PLS) is a stand-alone summary of a Cochrane systematic review and should provide rapid access to its content. A clear PLS is essential to ensure that systematic reviews are useful to users who are not familiar with the more technical content of the review.

Objectives:
To introduce the new guidance for plain language summaries for Cochrane diagnostic test accuracy (DTA) reviews.

Description:
The workshop will be split into two sessions:

1) Introduction to the new PLS template:
The first session will be a brief overview of the process used to develop the PLS template and guidance. We will present the final version of the proposed PLS based on an example review of the IQCODE questionnaire for diagnosing dementia.

2) Piloting the new PLS template and guidance:
The second session will provide participants with the opportunity to apply the new template to an example review. We will split participants into smaller groups and each group will take sections of an existing review and translate these into plain language using the new template and guidance. We will then regroup to feed back the results to the wider group and to discuss any issues that arose during the process.