Article type
Year
Abstract
Background: The use and usefulness of systematic reviews extends beyond individual patient-directed clinical interventions, and some Cochrane groups include such topics in their scopes. This extension has implications for the conduct of these reviews as the methods are not as straightforward. It can also mean overlapping goals with the Campbell Collaboration.
Objectives: We will present our experiences in updating a Cochrane review that was subsequently co-registered with the Campbell Collaboration Social Welfare Group.
Methods: In 1998 (and updated in 2002), a Cochrane review was published on the effects of mass media interventions on the utilization of health services, under the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organisation of Care (EPOC) Group. Twenty studies from the peerreviewed literature were included. Several relevant new studies and new methods of analysis are currently available. In 2005, as the next update of this review was planned, it was identified that this topic would also fit the scope of the Campbell Collaboration. The review protocol was rewritten with input from several interested groups: EPOC, Cochrane Consumers and Communication Group, Cochrane HIV/AIDS Group, Cochrane Health Promotion and Public Health Field, Campbell Social Welfare Group, and the Campbell Methods Group. Challenges included maintaining standards set by each independent group while keeping the protocol reasonably feasible.
Results: After a long protocol development process, it has been approved by all parties. The review will incorporate expanded electronic and grey literature search strategies, will include several study designs and use novel synthesis methods. If there are sufficient data, subgroup analyses are planned to identify key variables affecting the outcome of media interventions.
Conclusions: At the Colloquium we will discuss complementary and conflicting aspects of Cochrane EPOC and Campbell Social
Welfare Group guidelines. We will present information on the current status of the review, as well as challenges and opportunities with review co-registration.
Objectives: We will present our experiences in updating a Cochrane review that was subsequently co-registered with the Campbell Collaboration Social Welfare Group.
Methods: In 1998 (and updated in 2002), a Cochrane review was published on the effects of mass media interventions on the utilization of health services, under the Cochrane Effective Practice and Organisation of Care (EPOC) Group. Twenty studies from the peerreviewed literature were included. Several relevant new studies and new methods of analysis are currently available. In 2005, as the next update of this review was planned, it was identified that this topic would also fit the scope of the Campbell Collaboration. The review protocol was rewritten with input from several interested groups: EPOC, Cochrane Consumers and Communication Group, Cochrane HIV/AIDS Group, Cochrane Health Promotion and Public Health Field, Campbell Social Welfare Group, and the Campbell Methods Group. Challenges included maintaining standards set by each independent group while keeping the protocol reasonably feasible.
Results: After a long protocol development process, it has been approved by all parties. The review will incorporate expanded electronic and grey literature search strategies, will include several study designs and use novel synthesis methods. If there are sufficient data, subgroup analyses are planned to identify key variables affecting the outcome of media interventions.
Conclusions: At the Colloquium we will discuss complementary and conflicting aspects of Cochrane EPOC and Campbell Social
Welfare Group guidelines. We will present information on the current status of the review, as well as challenges and opportunities with review co-registration.