Writing a plain language summary

Abstract

A plain language summary is a standalone summary of a Cochrane systematic review written in plain language. It provides rapid access to the contents of the review. Plain language summaries can be used to facilitate shared decision-making between individuals and their healthcare providers. The plain language summary aims to summarize the review in a straightforward style that can be understood by consumers of health care. Plain language summaries are mandatory for all Cochrane systematic reviews. This chapter discusses the challenges and suggested approaches for writing plain language summaries for different types of systematic review of test accuracy questions. Because of the difficulties in understanding measures of test accuracy, the potential audience for a plain language summary for a systematic review of test accuracy is likely to be wide, including the public, policy makers and anyone who talks to the public about health, for example doctors, nurses, journalists and patient groups.