Article type
Year
Abstract
Background: The Cochrane Collaboration encourages the unique perspectives provided by consumers on evidence-based health care.
Objectives: To describe the formation and vision of Consumers United for Evidence-based health care (CUE) and its interaction with The Cochrane Collaboration.
Methods: In 2003, as part of a national effort to empower consumers to make the best use of evidence-based health care, the United States Cochrane Center (USCC) invited together a core group of consumer health advocates interested in integrating understanding and interpretation of evidence-based health care into their advocacy activities, strengthening the voice of consumers in healthcare research, and providing leadership in these areas. This nationwide consumer coalition became Consumers United for Evidence-based health care. A Steering Committee elected by CUE members oversees special projects, including an online course on evidence-based health care for consumer advocates and a membership drive currently underway. The USCC sponsors CUE meetings and training and the USCC Consumer Co-ordinator facilitates annual activities. The USCC encourages advocates to provide their unique perspectives to The Cochrane Collaboration on health issues of particular concern to them and advice on how Cochrane information can be made more useful and accessible to consumers.
Results: Currently, sixteen organizations are members of CUE. Members receive training on critical appraisal, evidence-based health care, and The Cochrane Collaboration; participate in CUE projects and initiatives; attend an annual CUE Conference, collaborate with advocates throughout the United States; and educate their constituencies about evidence-based health care. CUE activities include participation in plain language summaries and working towards obtaining a US national licence to The Cochrane Library.
Conclusions: United by a common interest in integrating understanding and interpretation of evidence-based health care into their advocacy activities, CUE members work to strengthen the voice of consumers and provide leadership in healthcare research and provide a unique and valuable input to the activities and mission of The Cochrane Collaboration.
Objectives: To describe the formation and vision of Consumers United for Evidence-based health care (CUE) and its interaction with The Cochrane Collaboration.
Methods: In 2003, as part of a national effort to empower consumers to make the best use of evidence-based health care, the United States Cochrane Center (USCC) invited together a core group of consumer health advocates interested in integrating understanding and interpretation of evidence-based health care into their advocacy activities, strengthening the voice of consumers in healthcare research, and providing leadership in these areas. This nationwide consumer coalition became Consumers United for Evidence-based health care. A Steering Committee elected by CUE members oversees special projects, including an online course on evidence-based health care for consumer advocates and a membership drive currently underway. The USCC sponsors CUE meetings and training and the USCC Consumer Co-ordinator facilitates annual activities. The USCC encourages advocates to provide their unique perspectives to The Cochrane Collaboration on health issues of particular concern to them and advice on how Cochrane information can be made more useful and accessible to consumers.
Results: Currently, sixteen organizations are members of CUE. Members receive training on critical appraisal, evidence-based health care, and The Cochrane Collaboration; participate in CUE projects and initiatives; attend an annual CUE Conference, collaborate with advocates throughout the United States; and educate their constituencies about evidence-based health care. CUE activities include participation in plain language summaries and working towards obtaining a US national licence to The Cochrane Library.
Conclusions: United by a common interest in integrating understanding and interpretation of evidence-based health care into their advocacy activities, CUE members work to strengthen the voice of consumers and provide leadership in healthcare research and provide a unique and valuable input to the activities and mission of The Cochrane Collaboration.