Background: Completing and updating Cochrane Systematic Reviews is time consuming and problematic for reviewers that do not have time and funding to undertake these tasks.

Objectives: We describe the experiences of students who received scholarships to undertake work on reviews within our department.

Methods: In 2001 and 2003 we received funding from the Department of Health & Ageing to support the Australian Cochrane Airways Group Network, collaboration between Adelaide, Newcastle and Hobart. In Hobart, the funds were used to provide a number of scholarships to undergraduate and post-graduate students.

Results: The students worked on a number of reviews, resulting in the update of three large reviews on beta-agonists in asthma and the completion of two smaller reviews on the effect of pneumococcal vaccination and action plans in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Post-graduate students commented on the benefits of having the time to work on complex and time-consuming reviews. They developed new skills as a result of assisting with reviewer training and producing presentations of their work. Themes identified from undergraduate student reports included the advantage of having support through reviewer workshops, on-line resources and interaction with the editorial base. They found it a beneficial educational experience and enjoyed interacting with local supervisors. The undergraduate scholarships resulted in the completion of 2 systematic reviews and presentations at local and national meetings.

Conclusions: Students scholarships are an effective method of undertaking work on systematic reviews with benefits for the Collaboration, as well as undergraduate and post-graduate students.
Supported by: Department of Health & Ageing, Australia