Abstract
Most research on the use of evidence-based practices (EBPs) has focused on increasing supply through providers and organizations rather than on consumer factors that increase demand. The neglect of the consumer goes against the very definition of EBP, which includes a recognition of the patient’s characteristics, values, and preferences. One such factor is a parent’s ability to critically appraise healthcare claims based on EBP principles. Unfortunately, very few studies have focused on how to increase this ability in parent consumers of health information. This investigation aimed to address this research gap through two studies. In Study 1 we conducted an assessment of current levels of critical appraisal in U.S. parents to determine need for a critical appraisal intervention. Parents demonstrated poor critical appraisal abilities, thus establishing a need for educational strategies targeting those abilities. In Study 2 we developed and user-tested an educational podcast to meet that need, and tested its efficacy through an online randomized controlled trial, where 250 parents were randomly assigned to listen to an experimental critical appraisal podcast (n=128) or a control podcast (n=122). The experimental podcast was called the Parents Making Informed Health Choices Podcast, covered nine EBP principles, and included physical and mental healthcare claims. We found that, relative to the control podcast, listening to the Parents Making Informed Health Choices Podcast improved parent critical appraisal of healthcare claims and also had a positive effect on intended behaviors, EBP attitudes, and treatment preferences. We also found several correlates of critical appraisal, including behavioral intention, attitudes, and treatment preferences. Findings provide initial support for the efficacy of a brief podcast intervention to improve U.S. parent critical appraisal of healthcare claims.