Article type
Year
Abstract
Background: The work of Cochrane Collaboration Review Groups may be facilitated by the establishment of geographically distinct auxiliary satellites. The Cochrane Skin Group established in 1997 in Nottingham, UK, is working to establish a satellite in Denver, Colorado, USA.
Objectives: To describe the steps by which a satellite of a Cochrane Group might develop and the functions such satellites might perform.
Methods: Narrative review.
Results: Discussions of Cochrane Skin Group Satellite effort originated two years ago using the established US satellite of the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Group as a model. Funding will be sought via submission of an unsolicited contract to the US National Institute of Health. The contract will provide for an annual quota of additional protocols, systematic reviews, and hand searched clinical trial titles in dermatology. The satellite will have special emphasis in coordinating 1) the involvement of non-medically trained people, with first hand experience of particular skin diseases (consumers) and 2) a web site promoting evidence based dermatology (www.ebderm.org). The effort is currently gathering the support of North American dermatologic societies and journal editors.
Conclusions: Establishing a CSG satellite in the US will foster the development of a critical mass of North American skin researchers, clinicians and consumers to better serve the mission of the Cochrane Collaboration in skin health care.
Objectives: To describe the steps by which a satellite of a Cochrane Group might develop and the functions such satellites might perform.
Methods: Narrative review.
Results: Discussions of Cochrane Skin Group Satellite effort originated two years ago using the established US satellite of the Cochrane Eyes and Vision Group as a model. Funding will be sought via submission of an unsolicited contract to the US National Institute of Health. The contract will provide for an annual quota of additional protocols, systematic reviews, and hand searched clinical trial titles in dermatology. The satellite will have special emphasis in coordinating 1) the involvement of non-medically trained people, with first hand experience of particular skin diseases (consumers) and 2) a web site promoting evidence based dermatology (www.ebderm.org). The effort is currently gathering the support of North American dermatologic societies and journal editors.
Conclusions: Establishing a CSG satellite in the US will foster the development of a critical mass of North American skin researchers, clinicians and consumers to better serve the mission of the Cochrane Collaboration in skin health care.