Article type
Abstract
Background
Plain language summaries (PLSs) are the main tool for disseminating the findings and conclusions of Cochrane systematic reviews (SRs) to a lay audience. All Cochrane SRs have a PLS, but only a few of them are of interest to general public. Consumers prefer simpler, more user-friendly and aesthetic formats, such as blogshots, to PLSs and Wikipedia.1 To ensure the quality of dissemination products, Cochrane has developed a checklist.2
Objective
To develop a knowledge translation product based on the Cochrane SRs of most general interest, taking into account consumer preferences and meeting the 21 points of the Cochrane dissemination checklist
Methods
Using an iterative review method, we developed a template to respond to an SR formulated as a question. The answer was offered in layers of increasing complexity and in various formats. For each SR, we offered 3 types of responses: short response (key messages only), response in other formats (including visual summaries and, in some cases, videos, blogshots, and podcasts), and structured step-by-step response with 6 sections. The SRs were selected in collaboration with the Organización de Consumidores y Usuarios (OCU), the largest consumer organization in Spain.
Results
On the Cochrane Iberoamérica website, in August 2020 we launched a new monthly informative resource for the general public called Cochrane Responde (https://es.cochrane.org/es/divulgacion/cochrane-responde).
As of February 2024, we have provided multilayered, multiformat responses on 43 Cochrane SRs, including visual summaries for all SRs as of January 2022; 7 videos (some with several thousand views); and 2 infographics about "How do we know if a treatment works?" and "What is a PICO question?" Half of the SRs have been selected by consumers and the other half by the Cochrane Iberoamérica team. We have been improving the contents of Cochrane Responde until it meets the 21 criteria of the dissemination checklist. The opinions of users in the surveys have been very positive.
Discussion
We have developed a multilayered, multiformat information resource based on Cochrane SRs that satisfies consumers and meets Cochrane quality criteria for dissemination products. Consumers collaborate in its development, improvement, and dissemination.
Plain language summaries (PLSs) are the main tool for disseminating the findings and conclusions of Cochrane systematic reviews (SRs) to a lay audience. All Cochrane SRs have a PLS, but only a few of them are of interest to general public. Consumers prefer simpler, more user-friendly and aesthetic formats, such as blogshots, to PLSs and Wikipedia.1 To ensure the quality of dissemination products, Cochrane has developed a checklist.2
Objective
To develop a knowledge translation product based on the Cochrane SRs of most general interest, taking into account consumer preferences and meeting the 21 points of the Cochrane dissemination checklist
Methods
Using an iterative review method, we developed a template to respond to an SR formulated as a question. The answer was offered in layers of increasing complexity and in various formats. For each SR, we offered 3 types of responses: short response (key messages only), response in other formats (including visual summaries and, in some cases, videos, blogshots, and podcasts), and structured step-by-step response with 6 sections. The SRs were selected in collaboration with the Organización de Consumidores y Usuarios (OCU), the largest consumer organization in Spain.
Results
On the Cochrane Iberoamérica website, in August 2020 we launched a new monthly informative resource for the general public called Cochrane Responde (https://es.cochrane.org/es/divulgacion/cochrane-responde).
As of February 2024, we have provided multilayered, multiformat responses on 43 Cochrane SRs, including visual summaries for all SRs as of January 2022; 7 videos (some with several thousand views); and 2 infographics about "How do we know if a treatment works?" and "What is a PICO question?" Half of the SRs have been selected by consumers and the other half by the Cochrane Iberoamérica team. We have been improving the contents of Cochrane Responde until it meets the 21 criteria of the dissemination checklist. The opinions of users in the surveys have been very positive.
Discussion
We have developed a multilayered, multiformat information resource based on Cochrane SRs that satisfies consumers and meets Cochrane quality criteria for dissemination products. Consumers collaborate in its development, improvement, and dissemination.