DISERN Model for identifying reliable
health support services
1.Are the aims clear?
No Partially Yes
1 2 3 4 5
HINT Look for a clear indication at the
beginning of the publication of:
•
what it is about
•
what it is meant to cover (and what topics are meant to be excluded)
•
who might find it useful.
If the answer to Question 1 is ‘No’, go directly to Question 3
2.Does it achieve its aims?
No
Partially Yes
1
2 3 4
5
HINT Consider whether the publication provides
the information it aimed to as
outlined
in Question 1.
3.Is it relevant?
No
Partially Yes
1
2 3 4
5
HINT Consider whether:
•
the publication addresses the questions that readers might ask
•
recommendations and suggestions concerning treatment choices are
realistic
or appropriate.
4.Is it clear what sources of information
were used to compile
the publication (other than the author or producer)?
No
Partially Yes
1
2 3 4 5
HINT
•
Check whether the main claims or statements made about treatment
choices
are accompanied by a reference to the sources used as
evidence,
e.g. a research study or expert opinion.
•
Look for a means of checking the sources used such as a bibliography/
reference
list or the addresses of the experts or organisationsquoted.
5.Is it clear when the information used or
reported
in
the publication was produced?
No
Partially Yes
1
2 3 4
5
HINT Look for:
•
dates of the main sources of information used to compile the
publication
•
date of any revisions of the publication (but not dates of reprinting)
•
date of publication (copyright date).
6.Is it balanced and unbiased?
No
Partially Yes
1
2 3 4
5
HINT Look for:
•
a clear indication of whether the publication is written from a personal
or
objective point of view
•
evidence that a range of
sources of information was used to compile the
publication,
e.g. more than one research study or expert
•
evidence of an external assessment of the publication.
Be
wary if:
•
the publication focuses on the advantages or disadvantages of one
particular
treatment choice without reference to other possible choices
•
the publication relies primarily on evidence from single cases (which
may
not be typical of people with this condition or of responses to a
particular
treatment)
•
the information is presented in a sensational, emotive or alarmist way.
7. Does it provide details of additional
sources of
support
and information?
No
Partially Yes
1
2 3 4
5
HINT Look for suggestions for further reading
or for details of other
organisations
providing advice and information about the condition
and
treatment choices.
Adapted
from Charnock, D, 1998, The DISCERN handbook, Radcliffe Medical Press, pp
44-47.
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