Table 1 Evidence designed for the public: examples of existing efforts

Guidelines International Network (GIN)

GIN provides advice on how to develop public versions of guidelines, giving details and guidance about the process [27]

Choosing Wisely collaboration with Consumer Reports, USA

Produces evidence-based material that is in part public-facing [28]

Consumers United for Evidence-Based Healthcare (CUE)

Some specialty groups in the USA collaborate with CUE to produce public-facing versions of guidelines, and involve patients in the development process

The Developing and Evaluating Communication Strategies to Support Informed Decisions and Practice Based on Evidence Collaboration (DECIDE) Funded by the European Commission 7th Framework

DECIDE has a work stream on dissemination strategies for clinical guidelines that are public-facing [29]

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) UK

NICE, as well as involving patients as stakeholders, produces plain English versions of patient guidelines [30]

Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network (SIGN)

SIGN produces public-facing versions of clinical guidelines on their website [31]