Developing a Fact Box

A Fact Box presents a simple tabular summary of the best available evidence about the benefits and harms of a medical procedure, treatment, or health behaviour. When developing a Fact Box, there are a number of key features to keep in mind:

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The Fact Box has the following key features..

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A clear reference class (e.g., to whom does the information refer?)

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List of benefits and harms, with equal weight given to both.

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Comparison groups, such as a group who received a new treatment compared to a group who did not.

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A measure of effect, such as how many people experienced the outcome in each group.

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Short summary statement, with care not to recommend a specific course of action.

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State your sources and date of last update.

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You can find more detailed guidance on how to develop a Fact Box here:

McDowell, M, Rebitschek, F, Gigerenzer, G, & Wegwarth, O (2016). A simple tool for communicating the benefits and harms of health interventions: A guide for creating a fact box. MDM Policy & Practice (1), 1-10. doi:10.1177/2381468316665365
PDF doi bibtex

 @article{mcdowell2016a,
  title = {A Simple Tool for Communicating the Benefits and Harms of Health Interventions: A Guide for Creating a Fact Box},
  author = {McDowell, Michelle and Rebitschek, Felix G. and Gigerenzer, Gerd and Wegwarth, Odette},
  date = {2016-07-01},
  journaltitle = {MDM Policy \& Practice},
  volume = {1},
  pages = {2381468316665365},
  doi = {10.1177/2381468316665365},
  number = {1}
}