Table 4

Quality assessment of information booklets

Criteria

Positive assessment %

Presentation

Is the print legible?

95

Is it appropriate for the intended consumer group?

90

Is the information presented in sections?

95

Do the sections have clear headings?

79

Is there suitable spacing between the individual sentences?

90

Is there suitable spacing between sections?

84

Do the diagrams included provide useful information?

78

Are the diagrams labelled?

33

Are the diagrams of an adequate size?

89

Language

Is the language and tone used non-judgmental?

100

Is the language used likely to be understood by the consumers who use it?

100

Is the medical terminology, abbreviations, and jargon explained?

100

Is it written in the second person (for example, 'you' instead of 'the patient')?

100

Is the terminology used consistent? (that is, are the same words used to describe the same ideas, procedures or terms?)

100

Does the product avoid the use of global imperatives? (for example, will, should, must)

95

Content

Is there evidence that consumers were involved in the production of the written consumer health information?

5

Are the aims or objectives of the product clearly stated?

32

Is the intended audience clearly stated in the product?

32

Does the product meet the specified aims?

83

Is information presented in a sequence that is useful to consumers, that is, is the most useful information presented first? (This may not necessarily be a logical sequence)

44

Is the information included in the product current?

79

Is the evidence provided in the product referenced?

0

Is the information presented in a balanced and non-biased way?

79

Are there any omissions that the consumer needs to be aware of?

74

Does the product provide information about areas of uncertainties in knowledge?

0

Has information about further sources of support and help been included?

32

Is the publisher included on the product?

95

Is the date of publication included?

53

Does the product contain the name or names of the author/s?

37

Are the credentials of the authors included?

21

Does the product encourage and support shared decision making or assist consumers to ask questions about their own treatment?

0

Treatment options and outcomes

Are all the treatment options included?

33

Is there a description of all the treatment options?

28

Is there an indication of the quality and level of evidence to support these options?

6

Are treatment outcomes provided, including information about the risks and benefits?

6

Are the treatment outcomes quantified?

6

Is there a comparative analysis of the treatment choices?

0

Is there a balanced and unbiased description of the treatment options and outcomes?

6

Is there mention of what might happen if the no treatment option is selected?

6

Is information about the gaps and uncertainties in treatment provided?

0

Vitry et al. BMC Health Services Research 2008 8:255   doi:10.1186/1472-6963-8-255