Organisations are authorised to reproduce The DISCERN Instrument without permission, provided it is used in accordance with the instructions contained in this website to ensure that its methodology is uniform.
Please read the General Instructions before using DISCERN. Click the 'Rating this question' links for additional guidance on each question.
The DISCERN instrument and the handbook are available as a PDF document for good quality print copies. To view this you will need to have Acrobat Reader installed.
Once you have completed the installation, return to this page to view the Discern PDF.
No | Partially | Yes | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
HINT: Look for a clear indication at the beginning of the publication of:
If the answer to Question 1 is 'No', go directly to Question 3
No | Partially | Yes | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
HINT: Consider whether the publication provides the information it aimed to as outlined in Question 1
No | Partially | Yes | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
HINT: Consider whether:
No | Partially | Yes | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
HINT
Rating note: In order to score a full '5' the publication should fulfil both hints. Lists of additional sources of support and information (Question 7) are not necessarily sources of evidence for the current publication.
No | Partially | Yes | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
HINT: Look for:
Rating note: The hints are placed in order of importance - in order to score a full '5' the dates relating to the first hint should be found.
No | Partially | Yes | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
HINT: Look for:
Be wary if:
No | Partially | Yes | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
HINTLook for suggestions for further reading or for details of other organisations providing advice and information about the condition and treatment choices.
No | Partially | Yes | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
HINT
N.B. The questions apply to the treatment (or treatments) described in the publication.Self-care is considered a form of treatment throughout this section.
No | Partially | Yes | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
HINT: Look for a description of how a treatment acts on the body to achieve its effect.
No | Partially | Yes | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
HINT: Benefits can include controlling or getting rid of symptoms, preventing recurrence of the condition and eliminating the condition, both short-term and long-term.
No | Partially | Yes | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
HINT: Risks can include side-effects, complications and adverse reactions to treatment, both short-term and long-term.
No | Partially | Yes | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
HINT: Look for a description of the risks and benefits of postponing treatment, of watchful waiting (i.e. monitoring how the condition progresses without treatment) or of permanently forgoing treatment.
No | Partially | Yes | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
HINT: Look for:
No | Partially | Yes | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
HINT: Look for:
a description of who is most likely to benefit from each treatment choice mentioned, and under what circumstances
suggestions of alternatives to consider or investigate further (including choices not fully described in the publication) before deciding whether to select or reject a particular treatment choice.
No | Partially | Yes | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
HINT Look for suggestions of things to discuss with family, friends, doctors or other health professionals concerning treatment choices.
Low | Moderate | High | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Serious or extensive shortcomings | Potentially important but not serious shortcomings | Minimal shortcomings | ||
1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 |
Copyright British Library and the University of Oxford 1997