Table 2 Included randomised controlled trials

Buljan (2018, Croatia) [59]

N = 163 (eligible across trials)

99 patient representatives, 64 doctors (171 students)^a

Infographic, plain language summary, scientific abstract (doctors only)

Understanding/knowledge (10, open ended)

Reading experience (5, summative, 10-point scale)

User-friendliness (5, summative, 10-point scale)

Breech presentation

Carrasco-Labra (2016, International) [60]

N = 284

Health professionals (122), guideline developers (42), researchers (120)

2 versions (1 existing, 1 alternate) of Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations (GRADE), Summary of Findings (SoF) tables

Understanding (7, multiple choice, 5-point scale)

Accessibility of information (3, 7-point scale; 1, 5-point scale)

Satisfaction (6, yes/no)

Preference (1, 7-point scale)

Paediatric probiotics

Opiyo (2013, Kenya) [50]

N = 70

Paediatricians (32), medical/nursing officers (18), researchers (5), healthcare trainers (5), governmental/clinical officers (7), pharmacists (2), administrator (1)

3 different topic ‘evidence packs’

1. Normal systematic review (SR)

2. SR plus SoF tables

3. Graded-entry SR

Understanding (2 per format, 3-point scale)

Composite endpoint (1, 5-point scale)

Clarity (1 per format, 3-point scale)

Accessibility (2 per format, 5-point scale)

Hand hygiene, newborn care, newborn feeding regimens

Rosenbaum (2010, International) [61]

N = 72 (RCT1)

Healthcare professionals

N = 33 (RCT2)

Staff from Cochrane entities

Normal Cochrane review (CR) with no SoF table

CR with SoF table (limited formatting)

CR with SoF table (full formatting)

Normal Cochrane review (CR) with no SoF table

CR with SoF table (revised)

User satisfaction (unclear, multiple choice)

Perceived understanding and ease of use (7, 8-point scale)

Understanding (4, unclear)

Time spent finding key results (1, continuous)

Deep vein thrombosis