User Testing of a Scottish Intercollegiate Guideline Network Public Guideline for the Parents of Children with Autism.
Abstract Background: The Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN) is the leading national clinical guideline producer in Scotland. Improved design and dissemination of guidelines produced for the public can empower people to take an active role in self-management and shared decision-making. The aim of this study was to test a public version of a guideline with the parents of children and young people with autism, implement improvements, and identify what works in making it usable and accessible. Methods: Parents were recruited from across Scotland. User testing involved a formal ‘think aloud’ process and semi-structured interview that guided users through the booklet. Sessions took place individually and were recorded and transcribed. Key findings were identified and themed using the honeycomb user experience model.Results: Fourteen user-testing sessions were conducted. Key facilitators for usability and desirability of the guideline included the chunking of text, consistent use of colour and the use of boxes to highlight important information. Simple language, written in a tone of partnership, helped to engage parents. Value arose from the guidelines ability to explain the process of diagnosis and make parents feel empowered in their relationship with healthcare professionals. There was a lack of consensus on the usefulness of rating the strength of evidence and recommendations. Conclusion: There was a marked similarity between what was important to the parents and what is important for other groups. The involvement of patients and carers in the guidelines development was key to its credibility. One size does not fit all in presenting evidence-based recommendations to the public and it is a challenge to provide sufficient information while avoiding information overload. Recommendations and evidence levels are suitable for use in public versions, but these should be kept as simple as possible.