Introduction/Objective: To explain the strategy followed for the effective, pluralistic and consensual development of the Cochrane Collaboration in Spain.

Methods: A consensus strategy among the various groups and institutions most interested in the Cochrane Collaboration, in June of 1997 (Madrid). 2. Selection of a Coordinating Center for the Spanish Cochrane Collaboration, in order to coordinate activities, centralize information and develop the necessary scientific, educational and political initiatives.

Results: During the 2 years of activities, 70 public presentations were made, 7 articles and 3 letters to the editors of health care bulletins were published, 3 articles were translated from English to Spanish, 4 issues of the newsletter Inter-cambio were published, and 617 individual contacts with interested persons were registered (ranging from passive involvement to potential and active reviewers). Twelve scientific projects were presented to external financing organizations. Four workshops were held with an average attendance of 20 persons in each one, and 6 review protocols were sent to the corresponding CRGs. Two Cochrane Seminars were held with a total attendance of 41 people (18 in the first and 23 in the second).

Discussion: Although a model of selective development could have produced more CC reviews in the short run, choosing to first broaden the fundamental support for the development base allowed us to be optimistic in the medium and long run. The number of persons contacted, the high rate of attendance at the first seminars, the financing obtained for the projects presented, and the involvement of the different existing groups and institutions assured that the number of revisions done - true final indicators of output - will be very relevant.