Article type
Abstract
"Background
Using plain language for communication is an essential component of good public involvement in evidence synthesis research. A common communication tool is the 'plain language summary'. This is a short summary of the protocol or completed review intended to increase accessibility to non-specialists and mandated by many research organisations and funders. For example, they must be included in systematic reviews published in the Cochrane Library.
As evidence synthesis researchers we regularly use plain language summaries to initiate discussions with the public involvement group we collaborate with. These are sent in advance of meetings. However public members often do not read them.
Objective
To describe the use of video plain language summaries as a communication tool utilised by researchers collaborating with a public involvement group to facilitate protocol development and knowledge dissemination.
Methods
Through discussion with public involvement group members (n=15) researchers understood that written plain language summaries were an ineffective way to share knowledge. Preferences were for an easily absorbed communication method requiring minimal time. Researchers recorded short videos (< 5 minutes) summarising the protocol or review and highlighting key questions for discussion with the public involvement members. These were shared using links to a videotelephony platform.
Results
Public members unanimously preferred the video summaries as a tool to communicate the content of protocols or completed reviews. They found the ease of use greatly facilitated their ability to absorb the information and subsequently partake in discussions to inform evidence synthesis research. Researchers found creating the videos initially to be time consuming as there were uncertainties about what to include and how best to present the content. Recommendations for researchers on how to approach a Video Plain Language Summary, co-produced by public involvement group members and researchers, will be presented.
Conclusions
Video Plain Language Summaries support more accessible communication of the content of protocols and completed evidence synthesis reviews. This enables greater engagement in knowledge sharing discussions between researchers and public members.
Relevance to patients
Describes a communication method for public involvement to support more robust evidence production. The recommendations made have been co-produced with public involvement group members.
"
Using plain language for communication is an essential component of good public involvement in evidence synthesis research. A common communication tool is the 'plain language summary'. This is a short summary of the protocol or completed review intended to increase accessibility to non-specialists and mandated by many research organisations and funders. For example, they must be included in systematic reviews published in the Cochrane Library.
As evidence synthesis researchers we regularly use plain language summaries to initiate discussions with the public involvement group we collaborate with. These are sent in advance of meetings. However public members often do not read them.
Objective
To describe the use of video plain language summaries as a communication tool utilised by researchers collaborating with a public involvement group to facilitate protocol development and knowledge dissemination.
Methods
Through discussion with public involvement group members (n=15) researchers understood that written plain language summaries were an ineffective way to share knowledge. Preferences were for an easily absorbed communication method requiring minimal time. Researchers recorded short videos (< 5 minutes) summarising the protocol or review and highlighting key questions for discussion with the public involvement members. These were shared using links to a videotelephony platform.
Results
Public members unanimously preferred the video summaries as a tool to communicate the content of protocols or completed reviews. They found the ease of use greatly facilitated their ability to absorb the information and subsequently partake in discussions to inform evidence synthesis research. Researchers found creating the videos initially to be time consuming as there were uncertainties about what to include and how best to present the content. Recommendations for researchers on how to approach a Video Plain Language Summary, co-produced by public involvement group members and researchers, will be presented.
Conclusions
Video Plain Language Summaries support more accessible communication of the content of protocols and completed evidence synthesis reviews. This enables greater engagement in knowledge sharing discussions between researchers and public members.
Relevance to patients
Describes a communication method for public involvement to support more robust evidence production. The recommendations made have been co-produced with public involvement group members.
"