TABLE 5.
Mean scores for the items in the DISCERN scale across the websites evaluated
| DISCERN question | DISCERN score, mean |
|---|---|
| Are the aims clear? | 2.60 |
| Does it achieve its aims? | 3.71 |
| Is it relevant? | 3.30 |
| Is it clear what sources of information were used to compile the publication (other than the author or producer)? | 1.80 |
| Is it clear when the information used or reported in the publication was produced? | 2.43 |
| Is it balanced and unbiased? | 2.70 |
| Does it provide details of additional sources of support and information? | 4.10 |
| Does it refer to areas of uncertainty? | 2.77 |
| Does it describe how each treatment works? | 3.30 |
| Does it describe the benefits of each treatment? | 3.63 |
| Does it describe the risks of each treatment? | 2.93 |
| Does it describe what would happen if no treatment is used? | 1.20 |
| Does it describe how the treatment choices affect overall quality of life? | 1.93 |
| Is it clear that there may be more than one possible treatment choice? | 2.97 |
| Does it provide support for shared decision making? | 2.70 |
Each question is rated on a five-point scale ranging from 1 (question criterion not fulfilled), to 2 to 4 (criterion fulfilled to some extent), to 5 (criterion completely fulfilled)