Article type
Year
Abstract
Background: The strategic review of the Cochrane Collaboration recognized the need of expanding the number of Centres/Branches especially outside highly developed countries to be a true global organization. We would like to share our experience to inform and train Caribbean healthcare providers, policy makers and researchers about the Cochrane Collaboration and conducting systematic reviews (SRs), as it may help other regions with similar situations.
Methods: Two researchers from the University of the West Indies Clinical Epidemiology Unit were previously trained in evidence based methods at the University of Ottawa, Centre for Global Health. A workshop was conducted in Jamaica, in collaboration with trainers from the Canadian and US Cochrane Centres and the University of Ottawa. The workshop included the Cochrane Standard Author Training and a course evaluation including awareness of the Cochrane Collaboration.
Results: Thirty-four participants from nine Caribbean Islands were trained, these included policy makers from Ministries of Health (36%), healthcare providers (6%) and researchers (58%). Over 3 days, participants were taught via didactic lectures, webinars, small group discussions and practical exercises. Several participants reported not being aware of SRs, the Cochrane Collaboration or the Cochrane Library. Fifty five percent of the participants indicated an interest in further training in SRs. The majority (85%) preferred in-person workshops. There were requests to conduct similar workshops throughout the Caribbean in conjunction with the Caribbean Health Research Council training schedule. Participants highlighted the need for a Caribbean working group to provide support for conducting SRs and using them for policy decisions.
Conclusions: Capacity building activities such as training workshops in the Caribbean and distance learning activities are avenues for increasing awareness and contribution to the Cochrane Collaboration and SRs. We continue to develop a critical mass to lead this process and to assess the impact of training done.
Methods: Two researchers from the University of the West Indies Clinical Epidemiology Unit were previously trained in evidence based methods at the University of Ottawa, Centre for Global Health. A workshop was conducted in Jamaica, in collaboration with trainers from the Canadian and US Cochrane Centres and the University of Ottawa. The workshop included the Cochrane Standard Author Training and a course evaluation including awareness of the Cochrane Collaboration.
Results: Thirty-four participants from nine Caribbean Islands were trained, these included policy makers from Ministries of Health (36%), healthcare providers (6%) and researchers (58%). Over 3 days, participants were taught via didactic lectures, webinars, small group discussions and practical exercises. Several participants reported not being aware of SRs, the Cochrane Collaboration or the Cochrane Library. Fifty five percent of the participants indicated an interest in further training in SRs. The majority (85%) preferred in-person workshops. There were requests to conduct similar workshops throughout the Caribbean in conjunction with the Caribbean Health Research Council training schedule. Participants highlighted the need for a Caribbean working group to provide support for conducting SRs and using them for policy decisions.
Conclusions: Capacity building activities such as training workshops in the Caribbean and distance learning activities are avenues for increasing awareness and contribution to the Cochrane Collaboration and SRs. We continue to develop a critical mass to lead this process and to assess the impact of training done.