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Timed intercourse for couples trying to conceive
When it comes to starting a family, timing is everything
A new Cochrane review of methods to increase chances of successful conception suggests that timed intercourse using urine ovulation tests probably improves live birth and pregnancy rates in women under 40 who had been trying to conceive for less than 12 months, compared to intercourse without ovulation prediction.
The Cochrane review, conducted jointly with researchers from University of Oxford, the Royal Berkshire Hospital in Reading, and the Princess Anne Hospital in Southampton, included seven randomised controlled trials involving 2,464 women or couples who had been trying to conceive.
Each month there is a narrow window for successful conception due to the limited lifespan of the sperm and egg, which begins from around five days before ovulation (egg release) and lasts until several hours afterwards.
The period of a woman’s cycle can be identified by different methods, including urine ovulation tests (dipstick devices that can detect changes in hormones released into the urine, signifying when ovulation will occur), fertility awareness-based methods (FABM) (including calendar tracking, monitoring changes in cervix fluid and body temperature) or identifying when the egg is released on ultrasound. This review aimed to assess the benefits and risks of timed intercourse on pregnancy, live birth, negative effects and quality of life in couples trying to conceive.
The study found that timing intercourse around the fertile period using a urine ovulation test increased the chances of pregnancy and live birth to between 20% to 28%, compared to 18% without using urine ovulation tests. This was specifically in women under 40 trying to conceive for under 12 months.
Tatjana Gibbons, a DPhil researcher at Oxford’s Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health and lead author on the study, said: ‘‘Many couples find it difficult to achieve a pregnancy, which can lead to concerns about their fertility.'
The finding that a simple and easily available urine test can increase a couple’s chance of successful conception is quite exciting because it can empower couples with more control over their fertility journey and could potentially reduce the need for infertility investigations and treatments."
Professor Christian M Becker of Nuffield Department of Women's & Reproductive Health said: "The high threshold of evidence required in a Cochrane review makes even this moderate quality evidence for the effectiveness of urine ovulation tests quite impressive, as well as surprising considering how long they have been available for."
However, the researchers cautioned that because many of the studies were funded by the manufacturers of the urine ovulation test, the results should be interpreted with caution.
They also found that there was insufficient evidence to conclude the effect of the other methods in the study, including timed intercourse on clinical pregnancy (ultrasound-confirmed pregnancy), the use of FABM in timed intercourse compared to intercourse without ovulation prediction.
Gibbons T, Reavey J, Georgiou EX, Becker CM. Timed intercourse for couples trying to conceive. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews 2023, Issue 9. Art. No.: CD011345. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD011345.pub3.
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Podcast - Conversations with Cochrane
The Cochrane Early Career Professionals group aims to provide its members opportunities to enhance their knowledge, skills, and expertise by providing a platform for international networking with early career professionals or other members in the Cochrane community. They aim to focus on the development of leadership skills for the early career members of the Cochrane community and encourage the active involvement of the Early Career Professionals in shaping the mission and vision of the Cochrane community.
The team of Cochrane Early Career Professionals will be chatting with senior researchers and members of Cochrane on a podcast called 'Conversations with Cochrane'. Through the podcast episodes, you can learn about citizen science, issues around open-access, elements of review production, methods used in evidence synthesis, and how to get involved in Cochrane.
"At Cochrane, nurturing aspiring minds and supporting professionals embarking on their career journey is part of the work we do. Our commitment is evident through initiatives like the Cochrane US Mentorship, Cochrane International Mobility, the student pathway to Cochrane Membership, and the Cochrane Early Career Professionals Network.
The podcast from the Early Career Professionals network is a great addition and we're looking forward to all the insight conversations to come - and that everyone can be a part of that!"
- Rachel Klabunde, Interim Head of Membership, Learning and Support
"We are really excited to introduce Cochrane ECP’s first podcast 'Conversations with Cochrane'! There are many ways in which early career professionals can get involved in Cochrane and develop leadership skills to support a scientific research career – follow our podcast and stay tuned for news and exciting opportunities!"
- Dr Elpida Vounzoulaki, Podcast Host and Chair of the Cochrane ECP group
'Conversations with Cochrane' is available in your favourite podcast app and on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and Amazon Music.
Below is a listing of current episodes.
An introduction to the Conversations with Cochrane podcast from current and future leadership of the Cochrane Early Career Professionals Network by Drs. Elpida Vounzoulaki, Santiago Castiello, and Neal Christopher. Listen as we introduce the aims and scope of this series.
Monday, August 28, 2023Celebrating 30 years of Cochrane
Cochrane, a global independent network of researchers, professionals, patients, carers, and health enthusiasts is celebrating our 30th anniversary in 2023.
In 1987, the year before Archie Cochrane died, he referred to a systematic review of randomized controlled trials of care during pregnancy and childbirth as "a real milestone in the history of randomized trials and in the evaluation of care", and suggested that other specialties should copy the methods used. His encouragement, and the endorsement of his views by others, led to the opening of the first Cochrane Centre in Oxford, UK in 1992 and the founding of The Cochrane Collaboration in 1993.
Cochrane has released a new video to celebrate our 30 year anniversary, featuring interviews with key collaborators past and present.
At the #CochraneLondon Colloquium, Karla Soares-Weiser and Jimmy Volmink engaged in a thought-provoking discussion with Iain Chalmers, Muir Gray, Jini Hetherington, and others. They explored the origins and inspirations behind the founding of Cochrane. View the PDF Slides.
We have also curated a collection of Cochrane Reviews that exemplify the enduring mission and innovative approaches taken by our organization. This Special Collection underscores the future of Cochrane, built upon its rich history of methodological diversity and unwavering dedication to meeting user needs.
Interventions for preventing and reducing the use of physical restraints in all long-term care settings
Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) medicines for diabetic macular oedema
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Cochrane seeks Executive Assistant to Editor in Chief
Specifications: Permanent – Full Time
Salary: £27,070 per Annum
Location: (Remote – Flexible) Candidates anywhere from the world will be considered; however, Cochrane’s Central Executive Team is only able to offer consultancy contracts outside these countries.
Directorate: EPM
Closing date: 06 September 2023
Cochrane is an international charity. For 30 years we have responded to the challenge of making vast amounts of research evidence useful for informing decisions about health. We do this by synthesising research findings and our work has been recognised as the international gold standard for high quality, trusted information.
Cochrane's strength is in its collaborative, global community. We have 110,000+ members and supporters around the world. Though we are spread out across the globe, our shared passion for health evidence unites us. Our Central Executive Team supports this work and is divided into four directorates: Evidence Production and Methods, Publishing and Technology, Development, and Finance and Corporate Services.
To provide an efficient and responsive administrative, organisational, and logistical service to the Editor in Chief (EiC) and the leadership team of the Evidence Production & Methods Directorate (EPM). Support operational activities of the directorate, including management of the Editorial Board.
Don’t have every single qualification? We know that some people are less likely to apply for a job unless they are a perfect match. At Cochrane, we’re not looking for “perfect matches.” We’re looking to welcome people to our diverse, inclusive, and passionate workplace. So, if you’re excited about this role but don’t have every single qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. Whether it’s this role or another one, you may be just the right candidate.
Our organization is built on four core values: Collaboration: Underpins everyting we do, locally and globally. Relevant: The right evidence at the right time in the right format. Integrity: Independent and transparent. Quality: Reviewing and improving what we do, maintaining rigour and trust.
You can expect:
- An opportunity to truly impact health globally
- A flexible work environment
- A comprehensive onboarding experiences
- An environment where people feel welcome, heard, and included, regardless of their differences
Cochrane welcomes applications from a wide range of perspectives, experiences, locations and backgrounds; diversity, equity and inclusion are key to our values.
How to apply
- For further information on the role and how to apply, please click here
- The deadline to receive your application is 6th Sep, 2023.
- The supporting statement should indicate why you are applying for the post, and how far you meet the requirements, using specific examples.
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Jordi Pardo Pardo announced as new Cochrane Governing Board interim Chair
Cochrane appoints new Governing Board interim Chair, Jordi Pardo Pardo and says farewell to two outgoing Trustees, Catherine Marshall and Tracey Howe
Cochrane is an international non-profit network, which sets the gold standard for synthesizing health research findings to facilitate evidence-based health care. Cochrane Reviews, found in the Cochrane Library, are up-to-date, follow a rigorous scientific methodology, and are free from commercial conflicts of interest. Health professionals, patients, and policy makers trust Cochrane Reviews for their healthcare decision-making. Cochrane works with researchers, health professionals, patients, policy makers, and media representatives from around the world to make Cochrane Reviews relevant and usable.
Cochrane's Governing Board is responsible for setting Cochrane's strategic direction and overseeing the work of the Chief Executive Officer, Editor in Chief, and Central Executive Team.
Cochrane’s Governing Board has appointed Jordi Pardo Pardo as new interim Chair. He will be taking over from Catherine Marshall and Tracey Howe who have been serving as Co-Chairs of the Board. Catherine's maximum four-year term will conclude in September 2023, and Tracey, whose term was set to end September 2024, has decided to step down this September due to personal circumstances.
Jordi Pardo Pardo, a longstanding member of the Board, former Managing Editor of Cochrane Musculoskeletal and current senior advisor with the Health Equity Thematic Network, will be taking over as interim Chair, effective from 5th September 2023. His appointment was made by the Governing Board during their May meeting. Jordi will serve in this role for a period of up to one year while a permanent Chair is recruited. The Governance and Nomination Committee will oversee the recruitment process and make a recommendation to the Board of Trustees.
Jordi’s tenure with Cochrane dates back to 1997 when he joined the Iberoamerican Cochrane Centre and contributed to the expansion of the Iberoamerican network. He has been part of the Lung Cancer group, the Equity Methods Group, Cochrane Canada and Cochrane Musculoskeletal, before joining the newly created Equity Thematic Network.
"I'm humbled by the opportunity to expand on the work that Tracey and Catherine have led to transform our organization. As we navigate into a new structure, I’m excited to explore the opportunities that a move to open access could bring to Cochrane and the world. I’m looking forward to working with our talented community to grow our reach and impact.”
- Jordi Pardo Pardo
Catherine Spencer, Cochrane CEO, extended a warm welcome to Jordi as interim Chair observing: “Jordi Pardo Pardo has an excellent understanding of both the workings of the Governing Board and the purpose of Cochrane. His appointment is welcomed by the Central Executive Team to ensure continuity as Catherine Marshall and Tracey Howe’s time comes to a close.”
She further expressed sincere gratitude to Catherine and Tracey for their unwavering dedication, leadership and invaluable contributions to Cochrane while wishing them all the best in their future endeavours.
Tuesday, August 22, 2023Cochrane seeks Head of Editorial Policy and Research Integrity - remote
Specifications: Permanent – Full Time
Salary: £60,000 per Annum (1.0 FTE)
Location: Remote – UK Based
Closing date: 04 September 2023
Cochrane is an international charity. For 30 years we have responded to the challenge of making vast amounts of research evidence useful for informing decisions about health. We do this by synthesising research findings and our work has been recognised as the international gold standard for high quality, trusted information.
Cochrane's strength is in its collaborative, global community. We have 110,000+ members and supporters around the world. Though we are spread out across the globe, our shared passion for health evidence unites us. Our Central Executive Team supports this work and is divided into four directorates: Evidence Production and Methods, Publishing and Technology, Development, and Finance and Corporate Services.
The Head of Editorial Policy and Research Integrity is responsible for Cochrane’s editorial policies and research integrity and methods standards. They will ensure Cochrane’s review production processes and systems support efficient and trusted review production, with a focus on improving author experience. This role involves editorial and operational leadership, working closely with colleagues across the Evidence Production & Methods and Publishing and Technology directorates to ensure Cochrane’s product development aligns with its strategic priorities.
Don’t have every single qualification? We know that some people are less likely to apply for a job unless they are a perfect match. At Cochrane, we’re not looking for “perfect matches.” We’re looking to welcome people to our diverse, inclusive, and passionate workplace. So, if you’re excited about this role but don’t have every single qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. Whether it’s this role or another one, you may be just the right candidate.
Our organization is built on four core values: Collaboration: Underpins everything we do, locally and globally. Relevant: The right evidence at the right time in the right format. Integrity: Independent and transparent. Quality: Reviewing and improving what we do, maintaining rigour and trust.
You can expect:
- An opportunity to truly impact health globally
- A flexible work environment
- A comprehensive on boarding experiences
- An environment where people feel welcome, heard, and included, regardless of their differences
Cochrane welcomes applications from a wide range of perspectives, experiences, locations and backgrounds; diversity, equity and inclusion are key to our values.
How to apply
- For further information on the role and how to apply, please click here
- The deadline to receive your application is 04th Sep, 2023.
- The supporting statement should indicate why you are applying for the post, and how far you meet the requirements, using specific examples.
- Read our Recruitment Privacy Statement
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Empowering Informed Choices: Cochrane China's innovative Knowledge Dissemination Competition
In healthcare, evidence-based information serves as the cornerstone of informed decision-making. Yet, the true impact of this knowledge lies in its accessibility and comprehensibility. Recognizing this, Cochrane China is running it's third annual competition that hopes to boost public interest in Cochrane reviews and fosters inventive pathways for sharing knowledge.
At the forefront of this endeavour is the Centre for Evidence-based Chinese Medicine at Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, a Cochrane China Network Affiliate that acts at the Translation and Dissemination Working Group. This Working Group, in collaboration with the Centre for Evidence-based Chinese Medicine of Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, the Cochrane China Network Affiliate acts as the Translation and Dissemination Working Group. This working group is jointly hosting the competition with the Center for Evidence-Based and Translational Medicine at Wuhan University, the Second School of Clinical Medicine at Wuhan University, and the dedicated members of the Cochrane China community.
Cochrane defines knowledge translation (KT) as the process of supporting the use of health evidence from our high-quality, trusted Cochrane reviews by those who need it to make health decisions. KT helps to make Cochrane evidence accessible and useful to everybody while advocating for evidence-informed health care.
We welcome you to submit a KT piece to this competition!
Simplified Chinese: Submissions need to be in Simplified Chinese. If you start in a different language, you can always translate it. It is helpful if one person in your team can communicate in Simplified Chinese as most communication by organizations around the competition will be in this language.
Open to all: All ages and geographical locations are welcome to enter.
Get creative: A wide range of creative formats is welcome; past winners include pictures, written work, and videos. Some previous examples include this stop-motion video and these infographics.
Unite together: Participants can choose to submit their work either as individuals or as part of a team, allowing for diverse and collaborative contributions.
Deadline: The deadline for submissions is 30 August 2023.
Winners: Winning submissions will be featured on the WeChat public website and the BUCM Essential Perspectives on Evidence-Based Medicine video channel. There are also branded prizes to be won!
Get in touch: Find out more information or ask questions at ebmvolunteer@163.com
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