Optimal sanitary decisions. The current challenge: a TV program based on the partnership with the Iberoamerican TV network

Article type
Authors
Tristan M1, Baidal S Y2, Cortes J. M3, Mas B P4, Ramirez-Morerara A2, Rodriguez F V5, Salinas G RA6
1Cochrane Central America/Spanish Caribbean-IHCAI Institute
2Cochrane Central America/Spanish Caribbean-IHCAI Institute
3Cochrane Chile- IHCAI institute
4Cochrane Cuba
5Cochrane Central America/Spanish Caribbean-Universidad de El Salvador, Facultad de Medicina
6Ministerio de Salud
Abstract
Background: the dissemination of relevant scientific information in mass media is a tool that can exert a significant influence in the promotion of evidence-based practice. Some Cochrane Reviews have analysed the effect of media messages on professional practice and the use of health services. Although confidence in the evidence is limited, the results are positive, both in planned campaigns and unplanned coverage, as well as in the issuance of criteria for opinion leaders.

The challenge arises from complex variables. It includes knowledge translation (KT) efforts, use of innovative and dynamic technological resources and the ability to make attractive and friendly information that is usually only accessible to a scientific elite. The tools currently available make it possible to break traditional barriers and successfully impact a wide variety of audiences. In the Spanish-speaking world, access to scientific evidence and to Cochrane systematic reviews is very scarce and sometimes misunderstood in the regular commercial media. The Iberoamerican TV network has the ideal platform to set up a programme tackling the primary audience of our interest: clinical practitioners, decision-makers and patients

Objectives: to create and broadcast a continuous, 30-minute, monthly, informative-educational television programme aimed at three specific audiences: clinical professionals; decision makers; and consumers and patients. Cochrane Central America and the Caribbean Spanish-speaking team will prepare the content scripts. The themes presented are extracted from Cochrane and its associated products and prepared in the best format for the KT process. A professional editor will conduct the 26-minute show. Each programme is broadcast on the open TV channel of the Iberoamerican TV Network and re-allocated by the national channels of the member countries of the network in the first phase of Central America and the Spanish-speaking Caribbean.

Methods: a five-member technical editorial committee, composed of a representative of patients/consumers of health services, one healthcare services representative and three clinical practitioners, selects the topics of data extraction of the evidence synthesis publications and critically appraises systematic reviews, clinical practice guidelines and health technology evaluations; in some cases, the editorial committee assess randomised clinical trials and observational studies appraised using GRADE and the Cochrane method of risk of bias analysis. The communication specialists prepare the screenplay using the best available KT.

Results: initially one TV show per month, for a total of 12 TV shows. A measurement of TV audience with share or rating. Social networks will be used to increase interactivity. This will be useful to achieve a better penetration of the message.

Conclusions: the transmission is to start by the end of this year 2019.

Patients consumer involvement: patients are involved