Table 1.

DISCERN quality scoring system

DISCERN questions	Grading
1. Are the aims clear?	1-5
2. Does it achieve its aims?	1-5
3. Is it relevant?	1-5
4. Is it clear what sources of information were used to compile the publication (other than the author or producer)?	1-5
5. Is it clear when the information used or reported in the publication was produced?	1-5
6. Is it balanced and unbiased?	1-5
7. Does it provide details of additional sources of support and information?	1-5
8. Does it refer to areas of uncertainty?	1-5
9. Does it describe how each treatment works?	1-5
10.Does it describe the benefits of each treatment?	1-5
11. Does it describe the risks of each treatment?	1-5
12. Does it describe what would happen if no treatment was used?	1-5
13. Does it describe how treatment choices affect overall quality of life?	1-5
14. Is it clear that there may be more than one possible treatment choice?	1-5
15. Does it provide support for shared decision-making?	1-5
16. Based on the answers to all of the above questions, rate the overall quality of the publication as a source of information about treatment choice	1-5