What place do consumers and an international network structure have within The Cochrane Collaboration? A formal review

Tags: Oral
Hanley B, Wale J, Belizan M, Nadel J

Background: Consumers have been actively involved in The Cochrane Collaboration since it was established in 1993, with the Cochrane Consumer Network (CCNet) established as a registered entity within the Collaboration in 1994. Objectives: To work toward clarifying the role and position of the Cochrane Consumer Network and consumers within Cochrane Review Groups and the Collaboration. Methods: Aformal evaluation of CCNet and consumer involvement at an organisational process level was undertaken. An Advisory Group comprising of people with various roles within the Collaboration was formed to advise on the various stages of the review. These included separate online surveys of consumers and Review Groups, selected follow-up interviews, and preparation of recommendations and a report to go to respondents, the Steering Group and Centres. The external consultant was funded through a Cochrane Collaboration Discretionary Fund and was supported by expertise within CCNet. Results: The results of the evaluation, the levels of commitment, and recommendations will be discussed in this presentation. Conclusions: With the review of The Cochrane Collaboration now completed and consumers and CCNet having been a part of the Collaboration for 16 years, it is timely to externally review the roles and processes for consumers and CCNet.