Zhivko Zhelev|Ruth Garside|Christopher Hyde
A qualitative study into the difficulties experienced by healthcare decision makers when reading a Cochrane diagnostic test accuracy review
University of Exeter|Royal Cornwall Hospital|University of Exeter|University of Exeter
cochrane reviews one best known trusted sources evidencebased information health care steps taken make cochrane intervention reviews accessible diverse readership little known accessibility newcomer cochrane library diagnostic test accuracy reviews dtars current qualitative study explored healthcare decision makers varied knowledge experience test accuracy research systematic reviews read made sense dtarsa purposive sample clinicians researchers policy makers n 21 took part series thinkaloud interviews using interview material first three dtars published cochrane library thematic qualitative analysis transcripts carried identify patterns participants reading interpretation reviews difficulties encounteredparticipants unfamiliar design methodology dtars found reviews largely inaccessible experienced range difficulties stemming mainly mismatch background knowledge level explanation provided text experience systematic reviews interventions guarantee better understanding cases led confusion misinterpretation difficulties exacerbated poor layout presentation affected even relatively good knowledge dtars negative impact understanding reviews also motivation engage text comparison readings three reviews showed accessible presentation presenting results natural frequencies significantly increased participants understandingthe study demonstrates authors editors pay attention presentation well content cochrane dtars especially reports aimed readers various levels background knowledge experience also raises question anticipated target audience reports suggests different groups healthcare decisionmakers may require different modes presentation