Title: Methods Implementation Editor
Specifications: Permanent – Full time
Salary: £45,000 per annum
Location: Remote working (Flexible)
Closing date: 11 November 2024

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.

As Methods Implementation Editor, you will play a crucial role in driving the successful delivery of methods-related projects and developments in Cochrane. You will work closely with cross-functional teams and renowned methodologists in our community to ensure Cochrane continues to use rigorous, up-to-date and innovative methods.

The Methods Implementation Editor sits in the Editorial Policy and Research Integrity team in Cochrane’s Evidence Production and Methods Directorate. This team focuses on defining and implementing best practice in systematic review methods, research integrity and publication ethics, as well as facilitating adherence to Cochrane standards through work aimed at continuous improvement. Working together, this team helps define the foundations for trusted evidence that sets Cochrane reviews apart, facilitating our mission and strategic goals.

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 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 click “how to apply”.
• The deadline to receive your application is 11 November, 2024.
• 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

 

Tuesday, October 29, 2024 Category: Jobs

提高医疗专业人员对药物不良反应和用药错误的报告 关键信息 - 医疗专业人员有责任报告药物引起的意外和有害反应。这些反应被称为“药物不良事件”，这一术语包括药物不良反应（Adverse drug reactions, ADRs）和用药错误（Medication errors, MEs）。 - 通过教育培训（例如外展活动、面对面工作坊或电话培训），并提供提醒卡和ADR报告表，可能会显著增加提交的ADR报告数量。 - 使用设计有额外ADR项目的标准化出院表格，使报告ADR变得更为简便，可能会略微增加提交的ADR报告数量。 - 未来的研究需要评估任何旨在提高医疗专业人员报告不良药物事件的干预措施的益处（即提交的不良药物事件报告数量的增加）和伤害（即提交的虚假不良药物事件报告数量的增加）。 - 需要开发并严格评估适用于中低收入国家的干预措施。 我们想知道什么？ 本Cochrane综述调查了针对医疗专业人员的干预措施是否有效改善了他们对药物不良事件的报告。药物不良事件包括任何药物不良反应（Adverse drug reaction, ADR）和任何用药错误（Medication error, ME）。 我们做了什么？ 我们综述了不同类型研究的证据，以了解针对医疗专业人员的干预措施是否能够增加他们提交的药物不良事件报告数量。我们比较了医疗专业人员提交的总药物不良事件报告数量（包括ADR和ME报...

Cochrane's members and supporters come from more than 130 countries, worldwide. Our volunteers and contributors are researchers, health professionals, patients, carers, people passionate about improving health outcomes for everyone, everywhere.

Getting involved in Cochrane’s work means becoming part of a global community. The Cochrane International Mobility programme connects successful applicants with a placement in a host Cochrane Group, where they learn about the production, use, and knowledge translation of Cochrane reviews. The prgramme offers opportunities for learning and training not only for participants but also for host staff.

In this series, we profile those who have participated in the Cochrane International Mobility Program and learn more about their experiences.

Name: Silvana Urru
Location: Italy
CIM Location: Cochrane Sweden

How did you first learn about Cochrane?
As a researcher, I have always sought evidence to support hypotheses, and discovering that there was an international non-profit organization dedicated to gathering, critically evaluating, and disseminating information on the efficacy and safety of healthcare interventions was incredibly exciting for me. I decided to deepen my understanding and contribute, in my own small way, to this organization. Initially, I participated as a volunteer in on the citizen science platform,  Cochrane Crowd, with Anna Noel Storr. Later, I joined the Board of Directors of the Alessandro Liberati Association – Cochrane  Italy Affiliate Centre. There, I had the good fortune to meet the President, Maria Grazia Celani, neurologist, that works at the Neurophysiopathology Unit of the Perugia Hospital and is the head of the clinic for demyelinating diseases. She is involved in epidemiological research and randomized controlled trials. She is a methodologist within the Cochrane Neurological Sciences Field and is the author of several Cochrane systematic reviews on interventions and diagnostics. Her enthusiasm for evidence-based research is particularly focused on conveying to clinicians the importance of continuous learning and sharing the best available evidence with colleagues in order to address relevant questions for patients. Maria Grazia connected me with Matteo Bruschettini from Cochrane Sweden.

What was your Cochrane International Mobility experience like?
In 2023, Matteo invited me to participate in a Cochrane review. Matteo was incredibly kind, supportive, and highly professional in both neonatal care and evidence synthesis. Our small team of five met regularly over Zoom, where Matteo patiently guided us through each step, explaining everything in detail—from the evolution of Cochrane methodologies to practical tips on using the RevMan software. 

What are you doing now in relation to your virtual Cochrane International Mobility experience?
Our Cochrane review on strategies for the cessation of caffeine administration in preterm infants has been recently published. Thanks to Matteo, who is extremely professional and exceptionally skilled, I have learned a lot and continue to do so. We have more studies planned, and with his guidance, I am confident that we will complete them soon.

It is crucial to bring as much scientific evidence as possible into the healthcare field, as it is fundamental for patient safety and for shaping health policy strategies.

Do you have any words of advice to anyone considering a Cochrane International Mobility experience?Yes! Do not hesitate to contact the Cochrane center wherever you are based, or to search for posts in volunteer platform, Cochrane Engage. Doing a systematic review is great way to master research methodology and to provide reliable evidence synthesis.

 

Tuesday, October 29, 2024

在第二产程中，采用不同的会阴助产技术对预防产后损伤有哪些益处和风险？ 关键信息 由于研究质量差、规模小，会阴助产技术在预防产后损伤和失血方面的效果的证据具有不确定性。 需要进一步进行大规模、精心设计的研究，并测量产后出血、不良反应和产妇满意度。 什么是产后损伤？ 产后损伤可能会发生在主动分娩过程中的会阴区（外阴和肛门之间的区域）。产后损伤的妇女可能会经历大量失血。 我们想发现什么？ 我们想要找出哪种会阴助产技术（例如热敷、按摩、发声或精油）比分娩期间的常规治疗更好，以改善会阴损伤和失血。 我们还想了解不同的会阴技术是否会引起不良事件。 我们做了什么？ 我们检索了相关研究，探讨在分娩活跃期应用会阴助产技术（如按摩、热敷、发声或精油）与常规对对比是否可以减少分娩期间的会阴损伤和失血。 我们比较并总结了这些研究结果，再根据其研究方法和受试者妇女人数等因素进行证据质量评价。 我们发现了什么？ 我们发现了 17 项研究，共涉及 13,695 名在分娩期间接受了会阴助产技术或常规治疗的女性。 证据的局限性是什么？ 其中一半的研究是在 2010 年之前进行的，因此提供的技术证据较旧，可能在当前临床实践中不常用。很少有研究报告失血情况、妇女或医护人员对所用技术的体验或其他重要结局。 这项证据的时效性如何？ 证据更新至2024年4月16日。 如果您发现此证据有帮助，请考虑向 Cochrane 捐款...

阴道分娩后胎盘滞留药物治疗的益处和风险是什么？ 关键信息 宫缩剂（用于引起子宫收缩的药物）在避免手剥胎盘（将手插入子宫剥离胎盘）方面可能并不比安慰剂（假装治疗）或不治疗更有效，并且可能无法减少严重出血或输血的需要（从捐献者体内抽取血液并注入大量失血的人体内）。 不同类型的药物可能对避免手剥胎盘起不到什么作用，也可能不会减少输血的需要。 需要进行更多研究来确定治疗胎盘滞留的最佳方法。 什么是胎盘滞留？ 胎盘在怀孕期间在子宫内形成，通过脐带中的血管为婴儿提供氧气和营养。通常情况下，胎盘在婴儿出生后不久就会娩出。胎盘滞留是指胎盘在婴儿分娩后30到60分钟内未能自行排出。这可能会导致母亲出血。 我们想要了解什么？ 我们想知道使用宫缩剂（使子宫收缩；例如米索前列醇、卡贝缩宫素和催产素）是否可以帮助分娩滞留的胎盘，而无需妇女进行手术。我们还想看看这些药物是否能减少大量出血或输血需求（从捐献者体内抽取血液，注入大量失血的人体内）等并发症。 我们做了什么？ 我们检索了对不同的宫缩剂药物、与安慰剂或不治疗胎盘滞留进行比较的研究。我们查看并总结了结果，然后通过考虑研究方法和人数等因素来评估我们对证据的把握程度。 我们发现了什么？ 我们发现有五项研究涉及 560 名胎盘滞留女性。在四项研究中，女性被随机分配到两个或三个治疗组，在一项研究中，女性没有被随机分配到不同的治疗组。该研究的重点是妊娠晚期妇女。...

Title: Executive Support Officer
Specifications: Permanent – Full time
Salary: £43,000 per annum
Location: Remote working
Closing date: 7 November 2024

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 five directorates: Evidence Production and Methods, Publishing and Technology, Development, Chief Executive Office and Finance and Corporate Services.

As the Executive Support Officer, you will be key in providing high-level administrative, organizational, and logistical support to the Editor-in-Chief (EiC) and facilitating alignment with the senior Evidence Production & Methods (EPMD) team. This role is essential for ensuring the smooth operation of EPMD projects and activities while also supporting Cochrane’s Editorial Board. By efficiently managing administrative tasks and optimizing processes, you will enable the EiC to concentrate on strategic priorities and key projects.

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 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 click “how to apply”.
• The deadline to receive your application is 7 November 2024.
• 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.

Friday, October 25, 2024 Category: Jobs

“When my husband was faced with a major decision between surgery and radiation for his cancer treatment, we were overwhelmed by the different perspectives from the specialists — each one focusing only on their own treatment. No one put the options side by side. That’s where the patient decision aids made all the difference. We felt empowered, informed, and confident in the choice we made — knowing we had truly considered every option.” — Maureen Smith, caregiver and patient advocate. 

Patient decision aids (PDAs), like the one Maureen and her husband used, are evidence-based tools that help individuals make informed decisions about their healthcare. These tools help patients understand the benefits and risks of each option while clarifying their personal values. Often, decision aids include visual tools such as charts or diagrams to simplify complex medical data, making it easier for patients to grasp the implications of their choices. PDAs also encourage collaboration between patients and healthcare providers, ensuring that decisions align with both medical expertise and the patient’s informed preferences. 

A Cochrane review led by Professor Dawn Stacey analyzed data from over 200 studies and found that PDAs significantly improve patient knowledge, reduce decisional conflict, and support informed, values-based choices. The review examined decision aids used across 71 different health decisions, including cardiovascular treatments, cancer screening, mental health care, and joint replacement surgery. Stacey, who has led the review since 2010, explained that the evidence supporting PDAs has only grown stronger over time, showing their positive impact on both decision-making processes and the quality of decisions themselves. PDAs are particularly useful for preparing patients and their family members to take a more active role in making decisions. 

Maureen’s experience reflects this impact. As her husband's primary caregiver, they received information from two different specialists; each focused on their specific treatment without offering a full comparison of options. Feeling overwhelmed, Maureen turned to patient decision aids that she had learned about through her research involvement. Sitting together at their kitchen table, they used the decision aid on their laptops, reviewing the pros and cons of surgery versus radiation in detail. 

“We took our time, discussing each part and revisiting the options when needed,” says Maureen. “It allowed us to compare the options side by side, understand the long-term consequences, and align the decision with what was truly important to my husband.” This process transformed an overwhelming situation into a structured, informed journey where both Maureen and her husband felt prepared and supported. 

Ultimately, her husband opted for surgery, confident that they had fully weighed all the options. Today, Maureen looks back with gratitude, knowing the decision aid gave them control during a difficult time in their lives. “We knew we had considered everything, and that gave us peace of mind.”  

PDAs also provide broader benefits. According to Dawn Stacey, PDAs empower patients by improving their knowledge and understanding of the treatment options available. "Patients feel more prepared because now when they are in the consultation, they are not trying to learn everything being said by the doctor or nurse practitioner," says Stacey. PDAs give patients the tools to ask better questions and engage in meaningful discussions about their treatment. This improved communication reduces decisional conflict and patients feel more confident in the choices they make. 

Transforming care through global implementation  

The use of decision aids is also transforming healthcare systems globally. Following the January 2024 update of the Cochrane Review, Brazil is set to integrate PDAs into its national healthcare system. This initiative seeks to shift Brazil's traditionally paternalistic healthcare model—where doctors often hold the primary decision-making power—toward a more patient-centered approach. Juliana Sousa, a project leader, emphasized the project's goal: “We want to empower patients to have a voice in their healthcare decisions, moving away from the provider-dominated approach to one where patient input is valued.” 

The project, currently in its formative stage, involves collaboration between Brazilian healthcare experts, international partners, and the authors of the Cochrane review. The team will test the implementation in primary care settings and home care programs to evaluate its impact on patient-provider communication and healthcare outcomes. Running until 2026, the initiative plans to integrate PDAs into digital healthcare platforms managed by the Ministry of Health, ensuring that decision aids cover a wide range of medical conditions. 

Before the January 2024 Cochrane Review update, several countries had already implemented PDAs into their healthcare systems. In the UK, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) incorporated PDAs into clinical guidelines, promoting their use to improve patient experience and support shared decision-making across various medical fields. Germany has launched large-scale projects, such as the “SHARE TO CARE” initiative, which integrates shared decision-making across healthcare settings with support from health insurers. Similarly, Denmark’s efforts, particularly in the Region of Southern Denmark, involve over 25,000 healthcare professionals across major hospitals like Odense University Hospital. These initiatives are backed by national policies that encourage patient involvement and evidence-based decision-making. 

In Taiwan, the Joint Commission of Taiwan (JCT), under the Ministry of Health and Welfare, has developed a nationwide project focusing on integrating shared decision-making into clinical practice. This project aims to improve communication between healthcare providers and patients, ensuring treatment decisions align with patients' values and preferences. 

These global initiatives highlight the increasing acceptance of PDAs in modern healthcare. However, while the benefits of PDAs are clear, Stacey says there is need for more widespread implementation to ensure their full potential is realized. “Healthcare professionals need to have training in how to involve patients in decision-making and change their approach to how they discuss options with patients," Stacey explains. She added that PDAs work best when healthcare teams—not just individual doctors—are trained to use them effectively. Patients, too, need to be encouraged to take an active role in their healthcare decisions.  

Stacey's message is clear, "Patient decision aids work. But they only work if they are used." The next steps involve ensuring that PDAs are integrated into routine healthcare practices globally, with adequate training for healthcare professionals and increased awareness for patients.   

Wednesday, October 23, 2024

局部治疗、光疗法及辅助疗法：哪种治疗方法对痤疮及其并发症的效果更好？ 关键信息 • 我们未能找到足够的高质量证据来支持过氧化苯、局部抗生素及局部类视黄醇对痤疮治疗的效果。纳入的系统综述仅提供了少量临床重要药物的证据供我们总结。 • 未来研究应集中在对患者、研究者和决策者重要的领域，例如治疗痤疮的新药、局部抗生素和局部类视黄醇，以及痤疮并发症，包括疤痕和心理困扰。 什么是痤疮及其并发症？ 痤疮是一种常见的炎症性皮肤病，发生于所有年龄段，但主要发生在年轻人。患有痤疮的人会出现黑头、白头或粉刺。主要出现在脸部，但也可能出现在背部和胸部。痤疮的主要并发症是持续的痤疮疤痕。另一个是心理困扰。部分患有痤疮的人很重视自我形象，痤疮可能会影响他们的情绪，导致焦虑、抑郁，甚至自杀。 我们想要了解什么？ 我们想了解局部治疗（一种以霜剂、泡沫、凝胶、乳液或软膏形式涂抹在皮肤表面的治疗）、光疗（使用不同颜色的光照射皮肤病变区域的治疗方法）及辅助治疗（除了传统医学的其他额外疗法，如针灸、饮食和草药）是否能通过減少病灶数量、改善受试者和研究者评估的痤疮严重程度、提高生活质量及减少严重或较轻微的不良（不需要的或有害的）事件。 我们做了什么？ 我们检索了针对痤疮和痤疮疤痕的局部、光照和辅助治疗的系统综述。我们对系统综述结果进行了汇总，并基于研究方法和样本量等因素对证据质量进行分级。 我们发现了什么? 本概述纳入...

World Evidence-based Heathcare Day is held on 20 October each year. It is a global initiative that raises awareness of the need for better evidence to inform healthcare policy, practice and decision making in order to improve health outcomes globally. It provides an opportunity to participate in debate about global trends and challenges, but also to celebrate the impact of individuals and organisations worldwide, recognising the work of dedicated researchers, policymakers and health professionals in improving health outcomes.

Cochrane has partnered with JBI, Campbell Collaboration, the Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, the Centre for Evidence-based Health Care, the Institute for Development Studies and the Applied Health and Research Unit (AHRU) at the University of Oxford to launch the 2024 campaign for World Evidence-Based Healthcare (EBHC) Day, called ‘Health and Beyond: From Evidence to Action’.

By facilitating dialogue and knowledge-sharing across sectors, World EBHC Day 2024 serves as a global platform to share and access collective knowledge and wisdom for health and beyond, moving from evidence to action, while highlighting that intersectoral collaboration and innovation is pivotal to transformative change.

Cochrane’s Editor-in-Chief, Karla Soares-Wesier, spoke with the campaign partners at the Global Evidence Summit, where she said that:

“Cochrane has long led the way in evidence synthesis, but we recognize we can’t do it alone. Collaboration is essential, and working closely with our partners is key. There is a growing movement to create more opportunities for joint efforts in producing evidence that supports decision-making and ultimately saves lives. To achieve this, we need to be present at the table and ensure our partners—whether from high-income or low- and middle-income settings—are there with us.”

This was at part of the Connected Conversations series, which is a new initiative that aims to provide the global evidence community with a glimpse of people's professional and personal journeys using evidence-based approaches to take action for health and beyond. Cochrane received contributions from Dr Celeste Naude the Director Cochrane Nutrition, Dr Carlotte Kiekens the Co-Director Cochrane Rehabilitation, Dr Ali Akbar Haghdoost the Ex-Director Cochrane Iran, Dr Vignesh Kumar Chandiraseharan from Cochrane India, and Jack Nunn from the Cochrane Consumer Network.

Cochrane World EBHC Day events

Cochrane Croatia hosted a in-person symposium titled Modern Views on Mental Health: Incorporating Evidence-Based Medicine for Effective Health Care. Held at the Faculty of Medicine in Split, it included discussions on better evidence for mental health, supporting mental health in the community, and the use of chatbots in psychiatry, among a wide variety of other topics.

Cochrane Y3 mentees from the Cochrane US Network hosted a free webinar titled 'Beyond a Publication: How Evidence-Based Healthcare Changes Communities.'

Cochrane World EBHC Day blogs

• Including people with lived experience in evidence-informed approaches
• Global health requires embracing planetary health from an early age
• The importance of knowledge translation (and trust) in polycrisis times
• Maternal mortality in Ecuador: more than just a health care problem
• Intersectoral action: Including local economic considerations in health guidelines
• How Cochrane Germany is Advocating for Clinical Trial Transparency through Collaboration

Cochrane World EBHC Day vlogs

World Evidence-Based Healthcare Day 2024 is an opportunity to engage with a global community dedicated to advancing evidence-informed health policies and practices. We invite you to join the conversation, share your insights, and take action for health and beyond.

If you have Cochrane-related events to add to our listing above, please contact Mia Parkinson.

For more information about World EBHC Day 2024 and how you can participate, please contact Mariam Salman or visit the official campaign website: https://worldebhcday.org/

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

The Cochrane Collaboration is proud to announce our new scientific strategy, focusing on tackling the most pressing global health issues driving inequity. 

Over the past 30 years, we have published over 9,000 systematic reviews and developed a reputation as one of the most trusted sources of health evidence. Our reviews set standards and improve lives, from offering premature babies the best start in life to preventing falls among older people. We now want to go further to address the devastating health inequalities that still persist worldwide. 

The new scientific strategy will contribute to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aim to bring about a more sustainable, equitable, and prosperous future by 2030. We will collaborate with partners both within and beyond the Cochrane community to tackle inequity across the world, building a healthier future for everyone and helping to achieve the SDGs.

Our strategy focuses on four key research priorities to address the most pressing health challenges, underpinned by a foundation of four commitments. Our research priorities are:

• Maternal, newborn and child health: we will improve the health and wellbeing of mothers and children worldwide and tackle the vast health equity gap between different populations. 

• Multiple chronic conditions: we will improve the lives of people living with multiple chronic conditions, identifying effective approaches to provide person-centred care and prevent further illness. 

• Infectious diseases: we will equip people across the world with the evidence they need to protect themselves against both existing and emerging threats. 

• Climate change and sustainability: We will improve our understanding of the complex relationships between climate change and human health, helping people to better cope with the health impacts of climate change. 

Our commitments are: 

• Innovate in methods: we will build on our world-leading expertise developing innovative research methods, including harnessing the power of artificial intelligence (AI). 

• Promote health equity: we will be guided in everything we do by our desire to promote health equity, shaping the questions we address and how we share our findings. 

• Collaborate and involve: we will collaborate with global partners, national agencies and local healthcare consumers to drive transformative change. 

• Champion research integrity: we will maintain and strengthen our leadership in research integrity so that we continue to produce evidence that everyone can trust. 
  
  

“In an era marked by unprecedented global health challenges, the need for reliable, high-quality health evidence has never been more critical,” writes Dr Karla Soares-Weiser, Cochrane’s Editor in Chief. “From the rise of infectious diseases such as polio and malaria due to war and poverty to the profound health impacts of climate change, our world faces a myriad of crises that demand informed, evidence-based responses. Yet, despite significant advancements in health research, a gap remains in making trusted health evidence accessible and useable for those on the frontlines — especially in low- and middle-income countries with limited resources. 

“Global health inequalities continue to mean that millions suffer and die from preventable health risks daily. Without dependable evidence, healthcare professionals, patients, and policy makers struggle to make informed decisions that could alleviate these hardships and save lives. At Cochrane, we understand this urgency and the indispensable role of robust evidence in bridging health disparities across the globe. 

“Our scientific strategy for 2025-2030 is a bold response to this challenge. By streamlining our processes and focusing on the most pressing global health issues, we aim to bridge the current evidence gap. Our priorities reflect today’s realities, centring on maternal, newborn, and child health; multiple chronic conditions; infectious diseases and pandemics; and the health effects of climate change. These focus areas are not only a response to the current health landscape but also a proactive approach to shaping a future where health decisions are consistently informed by the best possible evidence. 

“Cochrane has dedicated over three decades to improving global health and life expectancy through trusted evidence. We have systematically reviewed and analysed health research, using innovative statistical methods to ensure findings that are both robust and reliable. We are now keen to collaborate with partners and attract funders to join us on this vital mission. Together, we can harness the power of evidence to overcome today’s most urgent health challenges and build a healthier, more equitable world for all.” 

• View Cochrane's scientific strategy page

Thursday, October 24, 2024 Category: The difference we make

Title: Editorial Assistant 
Specifications: Full Time Permanent Contract
Salary: £26,000 per annum
Location: Flexible (remote)
Application Closing Date: 22 October 2024 (midnight GMT)

Cochrane has established a Central Editorial Service to support the efficient and timely publication of high-quality systematic reviews in the Cochrane Library. The reviews that are published through the Central Editorial Service address some of the research questions considered to be the most important to decision makers. 

The Editorial Assistant will perform editorial tasks to support the smooth running of the Editorial Service. Tasks will include, but are not limited to: performing checks on manuscripts on submission and before publication; supporting the peer-review process including inviting peer reviewers and tracking progress; assisting authors and peer reviewers to use Cochrane’s Editorial Management System; running editorial reports for the Editorial Service Executive Editor; arranging and preparing documents for editorial meetings; and supporting the Head of Editorial in projects aimed at improving or developing editorial systems and processes.

Cochrane is a global independent network of health practitioners, researchers, patient advocates and others, responding to the challenge of making the vast amounts of evidence generated through research useful for informing decisions about health. We do this by identifying, appraising and synthesizing individual research findings to produce the best available evidence on what can work, what might harm and where more research is needed.

How to apply

• For further information on the role and how to apply, please click here.
• The deadline to receive your application is 22 October 2024 (midnight GMT).
• The supporting statement should indicate why you are applying for the post, and how far you meet the requirements, using specific examples.
• Note that we will assess applications as they are received, and therefore may fill the post before the deadline.
• Read our Recruitment Privacy Statement

 

 

Thursday, October 10, 2024 Category: Jobs

Wednesday, October 9, 2024

Cochrane’s systematic reviews are playing a key role in informing the World Health Organization’s (WHO) guidelines for managing preterm infants, including respiratory interventions. These reviews, led by Cochrane Sweden and Cochrane Neonatal, are providing the evidence that is directly shaping recommendations on treatments like caffeine therapy to support lung function in preterm babies. 

Preterm birth remains one of the leading causes of infant mortality worldwide. In response, the WHO regularly updates its guidelines to enhance care and improve outcomes for these vulnerable infants. By basing its recommendations on the latest and most reliable data from Cochrane reviews, the WHO ensures that its guidance remains both relevant and evidence based. 

“Our guideline development process is very rigorous and evidence-based,” says Marge Reinap Technical Officer, Evidence-based Policy at the WHO. “All our questions and recommendations rely on evidence synthesis. Without evidence synthesis, the guideline development panel cannot issue a recommendation. The evidence synthesis developed by Cochrane is instrumental and serves as the pillar point of WHO’s normative guidance, facilitating discussions and forming recommendations.”  

The collaboration began when the WHO commissioned Cochrane Sweden and Cochrane Neonatal to conduct systematic reviews on interventions for preterm infants. These reviews, led by Matteo Bruschettini, Director of Cochrane Sweden, explored the evidence around caffeine to improve health outcomes for preterm infants. Studies have shown that caffeine therapy improves lung function and reduces both mortality and long-term disabilities in preterm infants. 

The impact of these Cochrane reviews on WHO guidelines was immediate. The evidence gathered was directly incorporated into the WHO’s updated recommendations on the care of preterm infants, giving healthcare providers around the world clear, evidence-based guidance to improve the survival and health outcomes of these infants. 

Beyond influencing global policy, Cochrane Sweden is now working on adapting the WHO guidelines for the Swedish healthcare system. This framework, known as ‘GRADE ADOLOPMENT’, involves modifying guidelines made by others to fit specific national contexts. GRADE refers to the ‘Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluation’ approach, while ‘ADOLOPMENT’ means adopting, adapting, and/or developing new recommendations. 

“Combining the strengths of the Cochrane network, evidence and methodologies with the GRADE ADOLOPMENT framework is very helpful for making recommendations applicable to the Swedish setting,” says Matteo Bruschettini. “It’s an efficient way to make tailored recommendations based on solid foundations, without duplicating efforts.” 

Cochrane Sweden, in collaboration with the WHO and members from the GRADE Working Group are working towards that the adapted guideline are tailored to the Swedish needs and healthcare environment while maintaining the same high standard of evidence-based recommendations. 

While WHO’s guidelines provide a comprehensive framework, countries often need to adjust them to align with their healthcare systems. In Sweden, Cochrane’s work focuses on ensuring that the guidelines not only address local concerns but also meet the practical needs of healthcare providers. This demonstrates how robust global evidence can be translated into actionable, country-specific recommendations. 

“We’re in the process of making guidelines made by others more used in the Swedish setting,” says Martin Ringsten, Project Coordinator at Cochrane Sweden. “It would save a lot of time and resources to use the evidence included in guidelines made by others. Guideline developers can then adopt or adapt recommendations and add contextual evidence where it’s needed.”  

Cochrane Sweden’s involvement in the development and adaptation of these guidelines and included systematic reviews highlights how systematic reviews inform clinical guidelines and public health policy. This collaboration ensures that healthcare recommendations are based on the best available evidence and contextualized to the applicable settings, thereby enhancing the quality and relevance of healthcare practices at both global and national levels. 

The process of using and contextualizing guidelines for specific settings illustrates how Cochrane reviews integrated into these guidelines can directly impact healthcare practice and policy, both globally and nationally. 

 

Wednesday, October 9, 2024 Category: The difference we make

患者导航对患有慢性疾病的儿童和青少年有哪些益处和伤害？ 关键信息 与常规治疗相比，我们对患者导航项目在以下方面的效果尚不确定：儿童和青少年的生活质量、其家庭的生活质量、住院或急诊就诊次数、学校、日托或大学缺勤天数，以及相关费用。 目前缺乏证据确定患者导航项目对慢性病儿童和青少年的影响，建议开展更多设计合理的研究。 研究问题？ 全球范围内儿童和青少年慢性病（长期性疾病）负担日益加重。慢性病会影响儿童各方面的健康，包括生长发育、里程碑事件的达成时间、学习能力、记忆力、信息处理能力以及情绪管理和控制能力。这些影响可能会持续到成年期。慢性病儿童也会对其家庭产生重大影响。 卫生系统正在寻找新型、低成本的方法来改善慢性病儿童和青少年的健康结局。患者导航是其中一种选择。 什么是患者导航计划？ 患者导航员是经过培训的医务或非医务工作者，通过协调患者治疗、提供教育以及为患者及其家属进行权益维护，帮助他们在复杂的医疗系统中得到指引。研究表明患者导航员可以帮助成年人完成整个医疗过程。然而，其对慢性病儿童和青少年的获益尚不明确。 我们想要了解什么？ 我们想要了解与常规治疗（即患者接受的常规预防或治疗）相比，患者导航对慢性病儿童和青少年是否有益。 研究方法 我们检索了比较患者导航与常规治疗的研究，以了解其是否改善了慢性病儿童和青少年的生活。 我们发现了什么？ 我们发现了17项研究，纳入2895名患有哮喘（...

The World Health Organization (WHO) has recently launched new guidance on best practices for clinical trials. The document aims to reinforce global standards in the organization, design, conduct, analysis and reporting of clinical trials. It responds to calls in World Health Assembly resolution 75.8, which emphasized the urgent need to enhance both global and national clinical trial ecosystems to generate high-quality evidence on health interventions. 

Cochrane’s Editor in Chief, Dr Karla Soares-Weiser, contributed to the technical advisory group established to support the resolution and this guidance. 

The WHO guidance offers practical recommendations to assist national health authorities, regulatory authorities, funders and others in facilitating effective clinical trials and research. Key recommendations centre on improving trial design to ensure the relevance of research; an emphasis on scientific and ethical standards; strengthening of capacity and support for sustainable research infrastructure; enhancing clinical trial transparency; and reforms to enable underrepresented groups to participate in clinical trials. 

Eva Madrid, the Lead of Cochrane’s new Iberoamérica Evidence Synthesis Unit, spoke on the panel of the launch event for the new guidance. She highlighted the need for greater engagement between those conducting clinical trials and the evidence synthesis community. Eva stated: 

“Disregarding existing evidence leads to redundant findings and fails to prioritize the gaps that we need to fill, missing the opportunity to resolve clinical uncertainties with clinical trials." 

In his opening  statement, Dr Jeremy Farrar, WHO Chief Scientist, said: “Clinical trials are the bedrock of clinical and public health policymaking and evidence informed policymaking” and urged that they should not only be set up in times of crisis and are used for “answering critically important and clinical and public health questions all of the time.” 

If you would like to find out more about Cochrane’s work on clinical trials, please get in touch with the Advocacy and Partnerships Team: msalman@cochrane.org

Tuesday, October 8, 2024 Category: The difference we make

Cochrane is excited to announce The People’s Review, a project designed to empower individuals worldwide to take part in a systematic review. The People’s Review invites the public to learn about systematic reviews by directly participating in the process. The People's Review is brought to you by Evidence Synthesis Ireland and Cochrane Ireland.

The People’s Review will be hosted on the Cochrane Crowd platform, which already supports various citizen science tasks related to systematic reviews. It will help guide participants through eight interactive stages— from choosing the review question to sharing the final results.

What Makes The People’s Review Special?

In an age of overwhelming information and online health advice, it’s crucial to have tools that allow individuals to navigate complex medical data. Systematic reviews offer a structured and reliable way to assess healthcare treatments. By involving the public in conducting one, The People’s Review seeks to demystify the process and equip participants with essential critical thinking skills for health decision-making.

 Éle Quinn, is a PhD student at University of Galway and is working alongside Evidence Synthesis Ireland and Cochrane Ireland on this project. Éle is the lead behind The People’s Review and shares her enthusiasm for the project and its potential impact:

"The People’s Review opens up the world of systematic reviews to the public, giving people the opportunity to directly participate in and learn about evidence-based healthcare. We believe that everyone has the right to be involved in research, and this project brings that vision to life!"

The Cochrane Crowd platform hosts tasks that help identify and describe health research for systematic reviews. Many within the Crowd community have fed back that the experience helps build skills around understanding health evidence. Each task is always supported by brief (and fun!) interactive training, and any contribution is welcome. Anna Noel-Storr, Cochrane Crowd Lead adds:

"We’re thrilled to be part of this exciting initiative. Cochrane Crowd has always been about engaging the public in evidence production, and The People’s Review is the next step in empowering individuals to contribute to systematic reviews directly."

Maureen Smith, a long-time advocate for public involvement in health research, Chair of the Cochrane Consumer Network Executive, and member of ‘Team People’s Review’ highlights the importance of this project:

"The People’s Review involves people in producing evidence, and by doing so it helps to build knowledge about evidence that people need to make informed health choices."

Get Involved and Stay Updated

Everyone, regardless of background or experience, is welcome to join The People’s Review. Whether you have a smartphone, tablet, or computer, you can participate from anywhere in the world. This project is designed to be inclusive and accessible to all.

Be part of this unique opportunity to engage with health research! The project will go through 8 different stages. To stay informed about opportunities to get involved, sign up for the newsletter and be the first to know about each new step in The People’s Review.

• Sign up now and express your interest in participating in The People’s Review
• Follow The People's Review on social media 
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The People’s Review is funded by the Health Research Board (Ireland) (ESI-2021-001) and the HSC Research and Development Division of the Public Health Agency (Northern Ireland) through Evidence Synthesis Ireland and Cochrane Ireland. Éle Quinn’s PhD studentship was funded by the College of Medicine, Nursing and Health Sciences, University of Galway, Ireland through Evidence Synthesis Ireland.

 

Wednesday, October 16, 2024

针对精神分裂症患者及其家人的干预措施是否比标准治疗更有效？ 关键信息 • 家庭干预可能会减少精神分裂症患者的复发。 • 家庭干预可能会减轻照顾者的负担，并可能改善精神分裂症患者家庭成员的情感表达（即不利的家庭环境，包括家庭关系和互动模式）。 • 需要更多的研究来得出关于家庭干预对精神分裂症患者及其家庭应用效果的有力结论。 什么是精神分裂症？它对家庭有何影响？ 精神分裂症是一种严重的、长期存在的精神障碍。精神分裂症患者可能出现妄想、幻觉、言语紊乱、功能下降和自我护理能力下降，或这些症状的组合。他们经常康复后又再次发病（复发）。治疗通常是长期的，包括药物治疗和“社会心理”干预，如社交技能训练、谈话和行为疗法，帮助患者康复和控制他们的症状。家庭在照顾生病的亲属方面发挥着关键作用，这反过来可能会给家庭带来较高的心理压力和负担，进而可能增加患者复发的风险。家庭干预注重改善家庭的知识、情感、行为和整体家庭环境，从而有利于家庭幸福和患者症状的管理。尽管担心隐私和给家人带来负担，大多数精神分裂症患者还是同意让家人参与他们的照护。 我们想要了解什么？ 尽管一些指南推荐家庭干预，但目前关于这些措施对精神分裂症患者及其家庭有效性的证据尚不一致且尚未完全确定。我们的目的是评估与标准治疗相比，基于家庭的干预对精神分裂症或精神分裂症样精神障碍的患者及其家庭的效果。 我们做了什么？ 我们检索了对精神分裂症患者...

心理或教育干预（或两种结合）能否减少居家老年人跌倒的发生？ 关键信息 – 心理干预（包括动机访谈（一种旨在解决不确定性和鼓励个人承诺来改变行为的方法）和指导）结合定制教育（例如，给予运动或药物建议）对减少跌倒人数（跌倒者）的效果很小，但可能会减少人们跌倒的次数（尽管尚不清楚减少多少）。 - 没有足够高质量的证据来确信个人心理或教育干预的效果。 我们想了解什么？ 随着年龄的增长，我们更容易跌倒，并有可能伤到自己。据估计，每年有三分之一的老年人会跌倒，这会影响他们的独立性和健康寿命。跌倒的原因有很多，针对不同风险因素（如肌肉无力、视力、环境或药物）定制的锻炼和干预措施可以减少跌倒。如果我们担心跌倒，我们就可能会减少活动，这可能会增加跌倒的风险。心理干预旨在减少对跌倒的担忧、提高认识或提高采取行动预防跌倒的动力。教育旨在让人们了解如何减少跌倒的风险。我们想研究心理或教育干预（或两者结合）是否有助于减少在家中居住的老年人跌倒的发生。 我们做了什么？ 我们检索了将以下干预措施与居家老年人常规治疗进行对比的研究。 – 认知行为疗法（一种谈话疗法，可以通过改变人们的思维和行为方式来帮助人们解决问题）。 – 动机访谈（一种通过观察一个人的疑虑并鼓励个人承诺来提高他改善行为的动力的方法）。 – 其他心理干预，例如引导意象疗法（一种教导人们运用想象力来降低负面情绪的技术）或指导。 – 教育（针对个人...

无创正压通气治疗儿童急性哮喘 关键信息 没有一项试验报告有任何死亡或严重的不良影响（除了一项试验报告了插管率（将管子插入气管））。 无创正压通气可能改善哮喘症状评分，降低插管率，并略微缩短儿科重症监护病房的住院时间，但结果非常不确定。 如何治疗儿童急性哮喘？ 哮喘是世界范围内的一个重大公共卫生问题，具有重大的经济影响。患有哮喘的儿童经常会因哮喘急性发作而住院，有时甚至需要住进重症监护室。 对急性哮喘发作的治疗，特别是对住进重症监护病房的儿童，主要包括吸入或静脉注射（通过静脉给予）支气管扩张剂，以放松气道肌肉和皮质类固醇，以减少炎症。对于许多此类患者来说，呼吸是困难的，因此需要通过无创正压通气（NPPV），如持续气道正压通气（CPAP）或双水平气道正压通气（BiPAP）来帮助呼吸。这两种方法都可以在不使用侵入性人工气道的情况下提供正压支持。CPAP在呼吸周期中向患者提供恒定的压力，而BiPAP在吸气时比呼气时提供更高的压力。这种正压通常透过鼻导管或全面罩（覆盖鼻子及嘴巴）连接流量生成器来传递。 我们想要了解什么？ 虽然 NPPV 可作为急性哮喘常规治疗的一种附加疗法，但临床指南并不推荐这样做，因此我们希望开展本综述。由于NPPV在急性哮喘儿童中的使用增加，我们决定更新之前的综述。 我们做了什么？ 我们评价了NPPV的现有证据，以评估其对急性哮喘儿童的益处和伤害。 我们发现了什么？ ...

An updated Cochrane review has found that the dental health benefits of adding fluoride to drinking water may be smaller now than before fluoride toothpaste was widely available. 

The team of researchers from the Universities of Manchester, Dundee and Aberdeen reviewed the evidence from 157 studies which compared communities that had fluoride added to their water supplies with communities that had no additional fluoride in their water. They found that the benefit of fluoridation has declined since the 1970s, when fluoride toothpaste became more widely available. 

The contemporary studies were conducted in high-income countries. The impact of community water fluoridation in low- and middle-income countries is less clear, due to the absence of recent research.  

Fluoride, used in many commercially available toothpastes and varnishes, is known to reduce tooth decay. Governments in many countries have added fluoride to the drinking water supply to improve population oral health, although there are polarized views on whether this is the right action to take.  

“When interpreting the evidence, it is important to think about the wider context and how society and health have changed over time,” says co-author Anne-Marie Glenny, Professor of Health Sciences Research at the University of Manchester. “Most of the studies on water fluoridation are over 50 years old, before the availability of fluoride toothpaste. Contemporary studies give us a more relevant picture of what the benefits are now.”  

Results from studies conducted after 1975 suggest that the initiation of water fluoridation schemes may lead to slightly less tooth decay in children’s baby teeth. Analysis of these studies, covering a total of 2,908 children in the UK and Australia, estimates that fluoridation may lead to an average of 0.24 fewer decayed baby teeth per child. However, the estimate of effect comes with uncertainty, meaning it’s possible that the more recent schemes have no benefit. By comparison, an analysis of studies with 5,708 children conducted in 1975 or earlier estimated that fluoridation reduced the number of decayed baby teeth, on average by 2.1 per child.  

The same contemporary studies (conducted after 1975) also looked at the number of children with no decay in their baby teeth. The analysis found that fluoridation may increase the number of children with no tooth decay by 3 percentage points, again with the possibility of no benefit. 

The review was only able to draw conclusions about the impact on children’s teeth, with similar findings across both baby and permanent teeth. There were no studies with adults that met the review’s criteria.  

“The evidence suggests that water fluoridation may slightly reduce tooth decay in children,” says co-author Dr Lucy O’Malley, Senior Lecturer in Health Services Research at the University of Manchester. “Given that the benefit has reduced over time, before introducing a new fluoridation scheme, careful thought needs to be given to costs, acceptability, feasibility and ongoing monitoring.” 

Advocates have suggested that one of the key benefits of water fluoridation is that it reduces oral health inequalities. This updated review sought to examine this question and did not find enough evidence to support this claim, although this doesn’t necessarily mean there is no effect. 

The review’s findings accord with recent observational studies including the LOTUS study, which compared anonymised dental health records with water fluoridation status for 6.4 million adults and adolescents in England between 2010 and 2020. People in fluoridated areas needed slightly fewer invasive dental treatments with no significant impact on inequalities. 

“Contemporary evidence using different research methodologies suggest that the benefits of fluoridating water have declined in recent decades,” says Tanya Walsh, Professor of Healthcare Evaluation at the University of Manchester, co-author on both the Cochrane review and the LOTUS study. “Oral health inequalities are an urgent public health issue that demands action. Water fluoridation is only one option and not necessarily the most appropriate for all populations.” 

“Whilst water fluoridation can lead to small improvements in oral health, it does not address the underlying issues such as high sugar consumption and inadequate oral health behaviours,” says co-author Janet Clarkson, Professor of Clinical Effectiveness, University of Dundee. “It is likely that any oral health preventive programme needs to take a multi-faceted, multi-agency approach.” 

• Read the Cochrane review and plain language summary 
• Read the new item in Malay

Iheozor-Ejiofor Z, Walsh T, Lewis SR, Riley P, Boyers D, Clarkson JE, Worthington HV, Glenny A-M, O'Malley L. Water fluoridation for the prevention of dental caries. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews TBD, Issue TBD. Art. No.: CD010856. DOI: 10.1002/14651858.CD010856.pub3.

 

Friday, October 4, 2024