Article type
Abstract
Background
The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) develop clinical guidelines and translate the recommendations into separate plain-language versions for members of the public. While gaining feedback on use of our guideline on perinatal mental health conditions, we discovered midwives favored the patient version because it was more concise, easier to read, and easier to access. We explored the possibility of developing 1 guideline for use by everyone, with recommendations written in plain language suitable for professionals and the public.
Objective
To make guidance more accessible for users with 1 concise, easy-to-read, printable, web- and app-based product
Methods
We planned the design of a printable and online decision-making toolkit and app as 1 product for both professionals and patients, based on our updated guideline on perinatal mental health conditions. A multidisciplinary group of health and social care professionals and people with lived experience were involved.
Results
Some information required by professionals needed to be separated from the advice provided to members of the public (eg links to scoring for screening tools). Therefore, we reverted to the production of 2 separate toolkits, 1 for health and social care professionals and 1 for members of the public. They were published on the same online platform and app to allow health and social care professionals easy access to each toolkit. We used concise, plain language in both products.
Conclusion
While use of plain language is desirable for the presentation of guidelines for both professionals and members of the public, the content and information needs of each audience may differ. Key factors for successful toolkit development include codesign with the target audience, implementation planning, and clear messaging.
The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) develop clinical guidelines and translate the recommendations into separate plain-language versions for members of the public. While gaining feedback on use of our guideline on perinatal mental health conditions, we discovered midwives favored the patient version because it was more concise, easier to read, and easier to access. We explored the possibility of developing 1 guideline for use by everyone, with recommendations written in plain language suitable for professionals and the public.
Objective
To make guidance more accessible for users with 1 concise, easy-to-read, printable, web- and app-based product
Methods
We planned the design of a printable and online decision-making toolkit and app as 1 product for both professionals and patients, based on our updated guideline on perinatal mental health conditions. A multidisciplinary group of health and social care professionals and people with lived experience were involved.
Results
Some information required by professionals needed to be separated from the advice provided to members of the public (eg links to scoring for screening tools). Therefore, we reverted to the production of 2 separate toolkits, 1 for health and social care professionals and 1 for members of the public. They were published on the same online platform and app to allow health and social care professionals easy access to each toolkit. We used concise, plain language in both products.
Conclusion
While use of plain language is desirable for the presentation of guidelines for both professionals and members of the public, the content and information needs of each audience may differ. Key factors for successful toolkit development include codesign with the target audience, implementation planning, and clear messaging.