Page last updated: 14 January 2022
Cochrane ReviewsCochrane Reviews are systematic reviews. In systematic reviews we search for and summarize studies that answer a specific research question (e.g. is paracetamol effective and safe for treating back pain?). The studies are identified, assessed, and summarized by using a systematic and predefined approach. They inform recommendations for healthcare and research. are systematic reviewsIn systematic reviews we search for and summarize studies that answer a specific research question (e.g. is paracetamol effective and safe for treating back pain?). The studies are identified, assessed, and summarized by using a systematic and predefined approach. They inform recommendations for healthcare and research. of primary research in human health care and health policy, and are internationally recognised as the highest standard in evidence-based health care. They are published online in The Cochrane Library.
Each systematic review addresses a clearly formulated question; for example: Can antibiotics help in alleviating the symptoms of a sore throat? All the existing primary research on a topic that meets certain criteria is searched for and collated, and then assessed using stringent guidelines, to establish whether or not there is conclusive evidence about a specific treatmentSomething done with the aim of improving health or relieving suffering. For example, medicines, surgery, psychological and physical therapies, diet and exercise changes.. The reviews are updated regularly, ensuring that treatment decisions can be based on the most up-to-date and reliable evidence.
Types of Cochrane Review
- InterventionA treatment, procedure or programme of health care that has the potential to change the course of events of a healthcare condition. Examples include a drug, surgery, exercise or counselling. reviews assess the benefits and harms of interventions used in health care and health policy.
- Diagnostic test accuracy reviews assess how well a diagnostic test performs in diagnosing and detecting a particular disease.
- Methodology reviews address issues relevant to how systematic reviews and clinical trialsClinical trials are research studies involving people who use healthcare services. They often compare a new or different treatment with the best treatment currently available. This is to test whether the new or different treatment is safe, effective and any better than what is currently used. No matter how promising a new treatment may appear during tests in a laboratory, it must go through clinical trials before its benefits and risks can really be known. are conducted and reported.
- Qualitative reviews synthesize qualitative evidence to address questions on aspects of interventions other than effectivenessThe ability of an intervention (for example a drug, surgery, or exercise) to produce a desired effect, such as reduce symptoms..
- Prognosis reviews address the probable course or future outcome(s) of people with a health problem.
Find out more
- Online learning is now freely available to anyone who is interested in an introduction to evidence-based health care, Cochrane evidence and how to use it. Written from the perspective of a healthcare consumer‘Consumer’ is Cochrane’s preferred term for patients (or someone with personal experience of a health condition), care-givers or family members of someone with a health condition. (https://consumers.cochrane.org) and co-created with patients and carers, there are five learning modules, designed to give anyone an introduction to evidence and systematic reviews.
- You can also access more learning materials, and information about learning events such as workshops and webinars, on the Cochrane Training website
- Read the story of the Cochrane logo.
Did the covid vaccination cause illnesses Tingling in feet and legs
Why has this question disappeared………maybe the answer is yes ………
Hello, there is a forthcoming Cochrane Review looking at the potential benefits and harms of the COVID vaccines. It has not yet been published. In the meantime, you might find this NHS page useful: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/coronavirus-covid-19/coronavirus-vaccination/coronavirus-vaccine/ It talks about possible side effects and safety of the vaccines.
Best wishes,
Selena [Editor]
I want to join the cochrane group .
Hello,
There are lots of ways you can get involved in Cochrane. This is a good place to start: https://www.cochrane.org/join-cochrane
Best wishes,
Sarah Chapman [Editor]
The NIH position on the effectiveness of the COVID vaccine is far from being real and scientific, as results from reports from those that have taken and completed the 3 or 4 doses doesn’t match what is been pushed.As a microbiologist, I am disappointed at the politicization of science. COVID has exposed a lot and thus affect trust in government health agencies. President Biden and many that are boosted still comes positive. Prior to vaccine many were recovering without tx, and not all that tested positive from government own report, came down with sickness or hospitalized, so why this position by NIH when all is so glaring?
Dr. Alakpa
I would like to be a part of the cochrane group for the latest updation of the information in the healthcare sector
i would like to join cochrane group and always be updated with information on health and medicals
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