A new chapter for Cochrane
Cochrane has embarked on an important change programme to transform the way we produce the high-quality, independent and timely evidence. The new model is designed to ensure Cochrane remains viable, sustainable, and focused on the greatest global health and care challenges now and into the future. As part of the new model we are implementing a Central Editorial Service to streamline the editorial process.
We are very grateful to everyone who contributes their time and expertise to Cochrane Consumers and Communication. We encourage you to look out for further communications about Cochrane's plans for the future and new opportunities to get involved. You can stay connected by:
- Following Cochrane on your favourite social media platform
- Opting in to Cochrane email communications in your Cochrane Account
Tools, templates and checklists
NEW: We have recently published an open access article about our author resources.
Title proposal stage
Cochrane invites prospective authors to propose new Cochrane Reviews by submitting a proposal in Editorial Manager. Please see the Cochrane Library information for authors for further details.
Before deciding whether you should apply to register a title, please see the following resources:
- FAQs for potential Cochrane Review authors (PDF 140KB)
- Involving consumers (patients and public) in your Cochrane review (PDF 52KB)
- Improving the relevance of your review to consumer issues (PDF 124KB)
- Detailed task list for preparing a Cochrane review (PDF 106KB)
Authors may also like to consult our Topic list (PDF 120 KB) and the methodological guides listed below
Protocol stage
- Author's Guide to Protocol Processes (PDF 143KB)
- Protocol Template with Guidance (DOC 94KB)
- Authors' presubmission checklist - Protocol stage (PDF 250KB)
- Rejection of protocol
Review stage
- Author's Guide to Review Processes (PDF 150KB)
- Review Template with Guidance (PDF 360KB)
- Data Extraction Template (Word format) (DOC 289 KB)
- Checklist for consistency between Abstract, Plain Language Summary and Review Conclusions (DOC 82KB)
- Authors' presubmission checklist - Review stage (PDF 294KB)
- Rejection of review
Dissemation stage
Update stage
- Deciding whether to update your Cochrane Review (PDF 198KB) (READ ME FIRST)
- Author's Guide to Updating the Review (DOC 254KB)
- Rejection of update
Methodological guides for review authors
Authors please note: Selected updated chapters of the Cochrane Handbook are now available. Please use these updated versions where chapters are referred in any of the CCCG resource documents below.
- Cluster randomised controlled trials (PDF 126KB)
- Equity (PDF 137KB)
- Examples of narrative synthesis (PDF 120KB)
- Examples of theoretical models (PDF 139KB)
- Identifying comparisons (PDF 137KB)
- Heterogeneity and subgroup analysis (PDF 181KB)
- Meta-analysis (PDF 174KB)
- Narrative data synthesis and analysis (PDF 155KB)
- Summary of findings (PDF 454KB)
- How to GRADE (PDF 406KB)
- Describing results (PDF 299KB)
- Study Design Guide (PDF 550KB)
- Study Quality Guide (PDF 435KB)
- Purposive sampling in a qualitative evidence review (Weblink, open access)
Intervention and outcome taxonomies
- Ryan R, Santesso N, Lowe D, Hill S, Grimshaw JM, Prictor M, Kaufman C, Cowie G, Taylor M. Interventions to improve safe and effective medicines use by consumers: an overview of systematic reviews. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2014, Issue 4. Art. No.: CD007768. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD007768.pub3.
- Lowe D, Ryan R, Santesso N, Hill S. Development of a taxonomy of interventions to organise the evidence on consumers' medicines use. Patient Educ Couns. 2011; 85(2):e101-7. DOI: 10.1016/j.pec.2010.09.024 (please note: not Open Access)
- Willis N, Hill S, Kaufman J, Lewin S, Kis-Rigo J, Bensaude De Castro Freire S, et al. ‘Communicate to vaccinate’: the development of a taxonomy of communication interventions to improve routine childhood vaccination. BMC International Health and Human Rights. 2013; 13:23. DOI: 10.1186/1472-698X-13-23.
- Kaufman J, Ryan R, Glenton C, Lewin S, Bosch-Capblanch X, Cartier Y, et al. Childhood vaccination communication outcomes unpacked and organized in a taxonomy to facilitate core outcome establishment. J Clin Epidemiol. 2017; DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2017.02.007.
- Taxonomy of relevant outcomes (PDF 253KB)