End multi-attribute risk materials with a summary table
For comparing many risks and benefits across options in a multi-page or extended explanation, use a summary table at the end of the material to improve readability and mitigate memory load for patient decision-makers.
- purpose:refine
- basis:empirical
- task:compare
- chart:table:use
- structure:multi-view
- quality:readability
- lever:layout-structure
- audience:decision-maker
advice
End summary table
Add one end-of-material table that gathers every option and its key risks and benefits in one place. For example, place a final table after multi-page graphics or a long explanation, and include each option plus the relevant attributes and risk-and-benefit statistics.
reason
Why an end summary table works
When key attributes are spread across pages or discussed over time, readers must hold too many numbers in memory to compare options well. A final table reduces that burden by restoring all relevant comparisons in one view.
Mechanism: A summary table supports side-by-side comparison and reduces the need to remember earlier pages or earlier parts of the conversation.
Evidence: The paper reports that adding a summary table after multiple risks and benefits increased readers’ interest in seeking more information, talking with their doctor, and considering the options, and recommends summary tables as a way to reduce cognitive burden in complex materials (Fagerlin et al., 2011).
Notes: The paper did not find substantial gains in gist knowledge from the summary table alone.
context
Use when many attributes are spread across the material
- User Goal: Compare several risks and benefits across options.
- Task: Recall and compare multiple attributes without flipping back through earlier material.
- Data: Multiple risks and benefits attached to each option.
- Chart Setting: Information spread across multiple pages or a lengthy explanation.
- Audience: Patients making complex treatment or prevention decisions.
- Success Criterion: Readers can review all key options and attributes in one place at the end.
exceptions
Do not add one when the comparison already fits in one short view
Break it when: The key risks and benefits already fit in one short display or brief explanation. Why: The paper supports summary tables as a memory and comparison aid specifically when information is numerous and spread out.
costs
Tradeoffs of an end summary table
Sacrifice: You use extra space at the end of the material. Risk: A summary table alone may not substantially improve gist knowledge. Mitigation: Use the table to reduce memory load and support comparison, not as the only explanation of the options.
mistakes
Common failure mode in multi-page risk materials
Mistake: Spread key statistics across pages or a long explanation and end without a concise summary table. Why it fails: Readers must remember earlier numbers instead of comparing options directly.
check
How to check the structure
Failure Sign: A reviewer must flip back or rely on memory to compare options. Quick Check: At the end of the material, can all options and their key risks and benefits be read in one place? Stronger Test: After reading the material once, ask a reviewer to compare the options without revisiting earlier pages.
fix
How to fix the structure
- Add a final table after the detailed material.
- Put each option and its relevant risks and benefits into that table.
- Keep the table concise so it functions as a comparison and recall aid.