Table 1.
Categories and examples of the DISCERN tool.
| DISCERN tool questions | Categories | Examples | No. of evaluation items |
|---|---|---|---|
| Are the aims clear? | Objectives | Introduction of coronavirus, diagnosis/assessment of coronavirus | 2 |
| Does it achieve its aims? | |||
| Is it relevant? | Relevance | Risk factors/causes/ethology, symptoms of coronavirus | 3 |
| Is it clear what sources of information are used to compile the publication (other than the author or producer)? | Information credibility | Citations/reference material to the information presented | 2 |
| Is it clear when the information used or reported in the publication is produced? | Date of publication | ||
| Is it balanced and unbiased? | Treatment choices | Product advertisement Coronavirus treatment and various treatment approaches How to self-manage coronavirus? Who to consult or refer to in case of coronavirus? |
4 |
| Is it clear that there may be more than one possible treatment choice? | |||
| Based on the answers to all of the above questions, rate the overall quality of the publication as a source of information about treatment choices | |||
| Does it describe how each treatment works? | Treatment effect | What are the best approaches evident for coronavirus treatment? What are the new treatment approaches that are currently being explored? Are the benefits of each treatment modality clearly illustrated? Complications of coronavirus |
4 |
| Does it describe the benefits of each treatment? | |||
| Does it describe the risks of each treatment? | |||
| Does it describe what would happen if no treatment is used? | |||
| Does it describe how the treatment choices affect overall quality of life? | |||
| Does it refer to areas of uncertainty? | |||
| Does it provide support for shared decision-making? | |||
| Does it provide details of additional sources of support and information? | Prevention and management | Who to consult or refer to? | 1 |