La Trobe

Producing an evidence-based treatment information website in partnership with people affected by multiple sclerosis

Download (691.56 kB)
journal contribution
posted on 2022-01-07, 06:00 authored by Anneliese SynnotAnneliese Synnot, M Hawkins, Bronwen MernerBronwen Merner, Michael Summers, G Filippini, RH Osborne, SDP Shapland, CL Cherry, Margaret StuckeyMargaret Stuckey, C Milne, P Mosconi, C Colombo, Sophie HillSophie Hill
Background and Aims: In earlier work, we identified that people affected by multiple sclerosis (MS) can have difficulty finding online treatment information that is up to date, trustworthy, understandable, and applicable to personal circumstances, but does not provoke confusion or negative emotional consequences. The objective was to develop online consumer summaries of MS treatment evidence (derived from Cochrane Reviews) that respond to identified treatment information needs of people affected by MS. Methods: A 2-phase mixed-methods project, conducted in partnership with consumers and an MS organisation. Phase 1 included review panels with consumers (Australians affected by MS) and health professionals to test paper-based treatment summaries before development, and pilot testing of the website. Phase 2 involved an online survey after website launch. Results: Eighty-three participants (85% affected by MS) took part. Phase 1 participants strongly endorsed key review summary components, including layering information, and additional sections to aid personal applicability. Participants additionally suggested questions for health professionals. Participants across both phases were receptive to the idea of being provided with Cochrane Review summaries online but were seeking other types of evidence and information, such as personal experiences and the latest experimental treatments, which could not be provided. While the small survey sample size (n = 58) limits application of the results to a broader population, the website was viewed favourably, as a useful, understandable, and trustworthy information source. Conclusion: We describe a partnership approach to developing online evidence-based treatment information, underpinned by an in-depth understanding of consumers' information needs.

History

Publication Date

2018-03-01

Journal

Health Science Reports

Volume

1

Issue

3

Article Number

e24

Pagination

9p.

Publisher

Wiley

ISSN

2398-8835

Rights Statement

This is an open access article under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. © 2018 The Authors. Health Science Reports published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc.