Risk communication in tables versus text: a registered report randomized trial on 'fact boxes'

Area of Science:

• Health communication
• Decision science
• Medical information design

Background:

• Effective summary formats are crucial for science communication, systematic reviews, evidence-based policy, and medical decision-making.
• Comprehending potential harms and benefits of medical options is vital for informed choices.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the effectiveness of tabular (fact box) versus text-only summary formats in conveying medical information.
• To assess the impact of message format on comprehension and recall of potential harms and benefits.

Main Methods:

• A pre-registered, longitudinal, between-subjects factorial experiment was conducted online.
• 2305 UK residents participated, randomly assigned to receive information in either a fact box or text-only format.
• Comprehension and six-week knowledge recall were measured as primary outcomes.

Main Results:

• Fact boxes led to significantly greater comprehension (d = 0.39) compared to text-only formats.
• Slightly higher knowledge recall was observed with fact boxes after six weeks (d = 0.12).
• These effects were consistent across medical topics, numeracy, and education levels; fact boxes were also rated as more engaging.

Conclusions:

• The tabular fact box format demonstrably enhances comprehension of medical harms and benefits over text-only presentations.
• Improved comprehension supports informed consent and decision-making, offering ethical and practical advantages.
• Fact boxes represent an effective communication strategy applicable across diverse contexts.