[Guideline for the Development of Evidence-based Patient Information: insights into the methods and implementation of evidence-based health information]

Abstract

The "Guideline for the Development of Evidence-based Patient Information" project is a novelty. The aim of this project is to enhance the quality of health information. The development and implementation process is guided by national and international standards. Involvement of health information developers plays an essential role. This article provides an insight into the guideline's underlying methodology, using graphics as an example. In addition, the results of a qualitative study exploring the competencies of health information developers are presented. These results will guide the implementation of the guideline. We conducted systematic literature searches (until June 2014), critical appraisal and descriptive analyses applying GRADE for two selected guideline questions. Out of 3,287 hits 11 RCTs were included in the analysis. The evidence has been rated to be of low to moderate quality. Additional graphics may have a positive effect on cognitive outcomes. However, the relevance of the results is questionable. For graphics, we found some indication that especially pictograms but also bar graphs have a positive effect on cognitive outcomes and meet patients' preferences. In order to prepare for the implementation of the guideline, we conducted a qualitative study to explore the competencies of health information developers using expert interviews. Four telephone interviews were conducted, audio recorded, transcribed and analysed according to Grounded Theory. Six categories were identified: literature search, development of health information, participation of target groups, continuing education and further training of health information developers, cooperation with different institutions, essential competencies. Levels of competencies regarding the methods of evidence-based medicine and evidence-based health information vary considerably and indicate a need for training. These results have informed the development of a training programme that will support the implementation.

Keywords: Evidence-based health information; Evidenzbasierte Gesundheitsinformation; Kompetenzen; Leitlinie; competencies; grafische Darstellungen; graphical representation; guideline.