Article type
Year
Abstract
Introduction/Objective: The Cochrane Collaboration uses RevMan software to support the production of systematic reviews to ensure a standard format for inclusion in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Many reviewers choose to use word processors before transferring the completed work into RevMan (especially if results are to be presented in the 'other data tables' rather that Metaview). The transfer of text and data from a word processor file is usually undertaken using 'cut' and 'paste' functions and is often laborious. We have been investigating ways to support reviewers and editorial bases in the transfer of reviews into and out of Revman.
Methods: We have developed an experimental review editing tool to facilitate transfer of text and data between Revman and word processing packages. The program operates by copying the review from the RevMan database and writing the data to a formatted text file. This text file can then be viewed and edited using either a text editor or a word processor. Whatever changes are made to the text file can then be copied back to the RevMan review at a key stroke.
Results: Work to date has been very useful. The following review sections can be moved between any text or word processor package and RevMan using one keystroke; i) Cover Sheet, ii) Text of Review, iii) References to studies, iv) Other References, v) Table of included studies, vi) Table of excluded studies, vii) Contact details. Reviews can be manipulated outwith RevMan and then re-imported back into the database as required. This facilitates editing and importing large amounts of data, such as sets of references. Where the review is to be published in whole or part outside the collaboration, this technique provides a convenient method of preparing RevMan material for that process.
Discussion: The review editing tool is potentially useful for reviewers when reviewing reviews and for editorial staff undertaking sub editing of reviews. In particular it allows reviewers to utilise the many facilities of word processing during the production of reviews. Further work is being undertaken to develop easy transfer of information in other RevMan data tables; this will allow reviewers to explore methods of presenting data in a WYSIWYG environment before being imported into RevMan. The poster presentation will present the functionality of the software, which will be demonstrated during poster session.
Methods: We have developed an experimental review editing tool to facilitate transfer of text and data between Revman and word processing packages. The program operates by copying the review from the RevMan database and writing the data to a formatted text file. This text file can then be viewed and edited using either a text editor or a word processor. Whatever changes are made to the text file can then be copied back to the RevMan review at a key stroke.
Results: Work to date has been very useful. The following review sections can be moved between any text or word processor package and RevMan using one keystroke; i) Cover Sheet, ii) Text of Review, iii) References to studies, iv) Other References, v) Table of included studies, vi) Table of excluded studies, vii) Contact details. Reviews can be manipulated outwith RevMan and then re-imported back into the database as required. This facilitates editing and importing large amounts of data, such as sets of references. Where the review is to be published in whole or part outside the collaboration, this technique provides a convenient method of preparing RevMan material for that process.
Discussion: The review editing tool is potentially useful for reviewers when reviewing reviews and for editorial staff undertaking sub editing of reviews. In particular it allows reviewers to utilise the many facilities of word processing during the production of reviews. Further work is being undertaken to develop easy transfer of information in other RevMan data tables; this will allow reviewers to explore methods of presenting data in a WYSIWYG environment before being imported into RevMan. The poster presentation will present the functionality of the software, which will be demonstrated during poster session.