Lay summaries of open access journal articles: engaging with the general public on medical research

• DOI: 10.1087/20140303
• Publication Date: 2014-06-19T01:04:19Z
• Authors: Emily NUNN; Stephen PINFIELD
• Keywords: Medical information; Medical Research; Plain language

ABSTRACT This study investigates attitudes to ‘lay’ or ‘plain‐English’ summaries of open access (OA) journal articles in the context engaging public with medical research. It places lay wider contexts patients' information‐seeking behaviour and OA publishing activities. reports results qualitative research involving two stakeholder groups: employees organizations a stake communicating public, members who have experience accessing online shows that patient literature is seen as one number important sources information can help them manage their health conditions ‘informed patients‘. However, was reported be problematical, particularly because paywalls, there were also difficulties using it, including language barriers. Lay make helpful contribution improving information. There is, however, clear need gather more evidence about costs benefits such an approach on potential ways which create for general public.