Abstract
BackgroundGuideline producers are increasingly producing versions of guidelines for the public, and knowledge of what the public want from them is also increasing. The aim of this study was to user test a patient version of a SIGN clinical guideline that was designed based on preliminary work for the DECIDE project. SIGN is the leading national guideline producer in Scotland.MethodsPeople with a diagnosis of glaucoma and non-professional carers were recruited from across Scotland. User testing was conducted using a think-aloud protocol method. Each session was conducted by one interviewer and one observer. All sessions were recorded and transcribed. The data was analysed, problems with the guideline were identified and resolved and key findings were themed using a user experience model.ResultsThirteen user testing sessions with people with glaucoma and one with a carer were conducted. Key facilitators of desirability and usability identified include clear branding as a patient version and a clearly described purpose, audience and contents page. Other facilitators include a “friendly” tone which is achieved by the use of colour, quotes, icons, simple language and charts, and brief chunked text.The value and usefulness of the patient guideline was influenced by its ability to: inform the public, link information to actions, and empower people in their interaction with healthcare professionals. Participants were disappointed by the lack of information on treatment in the patient version, which was outside its scope.Information on the evidence based guideline production process and the involvement of appropriately skilled professionals was key to the credibility of the guideline. Lack of awareness of guidelines and guideline producing bodies, is a potentially serious threat to findability/accessibility.ConclusionsIt is important for guideline producers to maximise the user experience of the public when they access patient versions of guidelines, particularly given the current low level of access and awareness. One size does not fit all and guideline producers need to strike a balance between keeping the patient version simple and providing sufficient information to facilitate shared decision making and empower the public. Guideline producers may find the results of this study useful in designing their own patient versions.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12913-016-1287-8) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Highlights
Guideline producers are increasingly producing versions of guidelines for the public, and knowledge of what the public want from them is increasing
The aim of this study was to develop and test a Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network (SIGN) patient guideline, using principles derived from a series of focus groups ([10], Fearns N, Kelly J, Callaghan M, et al: What do patients and the public know about clinical practice guidelines and what do they want from them? A qualitative study, submitted), and a systematic review [1] undertaken by the DECIDE (Developing and Evaluating Communication Strategies to support Informed Decision and practice based on Evidence) project [11]
A patient version of SIGN guideline 144 was designed which incorporated findings from the work of the DECIDE project ([1, 10], Fearns N, Kelly J, Callaghan M, et al: What do patients and the public know about clinical practice guidelines and what do they want from them? A qualitative study, submitted)
Summary
Guideline producers are increasingly producing versions of guidelines for the public, and knowledge of what the public want from them is increasing. Clinical guidelines are tools that are developed systematically to present evidence based recommendations that direct appropriate healthcare [1, 2] This collation of research, expertise and dissemination of best practice is essential in ensuring patients are treated in a way that is supported by the best evidence available [3]. Freely available patient versions are produced in the UK by both the Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network (SIGN) and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Despite this a recent systematic review of the public’s awareness and attitude towards clinical practice guidelines, indicated that awareness of them is low and that the public may not perceive this format of health information any more positively than alternative sources [1]. The formatting, clear and unambiguous language, and attractiveness or “glitz” were identified as important factors [1]
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
