Article type
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Abstract
Background: To conduct a systematic review, one must find all reports of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and possible randomized controlled trials (CCTs). Although most RCTs are identified from searching electronic databases, some RCTs are found only by handsearching. The US Cochrane Center developed and maintains a free online course to train individuals in classifying clinical studies as RCTs or CCTs.
Objectives: To describe handsearching course participants.
Methods: Students are asked to provide location, demographic information and affiliation with the Cochrane Collaboration at registration. Information is collected on modules completed by students and scores on self-assessment and knowledge assessment tests.
Results: As of March 21, 2013, 249 students had registered for the course. Theywere located in North America (n=101), Europe (n = 63), Asia (n = 40), Central/South America (n = 17), Australia (n = 12), Africa (n = 5) and the Middle East (n = 12). Of participants responding to the online questionnaire, half (50/100) claimed a Cochrane affiliation; 41 with a Group, 6 with a Field, and 3 with a Center. 21 respondents revealed a Cochrane role, including author (n = 6), handsearcher (n = 4), Trial Search Coordinator (n = 5) and other (n = 6). 64 of 101 of respondents had found the course on a Cochrane website, and 13 through word-of-mouth. The most common reason for taking the course was ‘personal growth’ (64/106, 60%). All self-assessment tests were completed by 32 students with 67 students completing at least one. The final test for the course, handsearching 6 months of the British Journal of Ophthalmology for RCTs and CCTs, was attempted by 23 participants and completed by 21, with a median score of 92.7%.
Conclusions: The handsearching course continues to be an information source for the Cochrane Collaboration and others across the world to learn to classify clinical studies as RCTs or CCTs.
Objectives: To describe handsearching course participants.
Methods: Students are asked to provide location, demographic information and affiliation with the Cochrane Collaboration at registration. Information is collected on modules completed by students and scores on self-assessment and knowledge assessment tests.
Results: As of March 21, 2013, 249 students had registered for the course. Theywere located in North America (n=101), Europe (n = 63), Asia (n = 40), Central/South America (n = 17), Australia (n = 12), Africa (n = 5) and the Middle East (n = 12). Of participants responding to the online questionnaire, half (50/100) claimed a Cochrane affiliation; 41 with a Group, 6 with a Field, and 3 with a Center. 21 respondents revealed a Cochrane role, including author (n = 6), handsearcher (n = 4), Trial Search Coordinator (n = 5) and other (n = 6). 64 of 101 of respondents had found the course on a Cochrane website, and 13 through word-of-mouth. The most common reason for taking the course was ‘personal growth’ (64/106, 60%). All self-assessment tests were completed by 32 students with 67 students completing at least one. The final test for the course, handsearching 6 months of the British Journal of Ophthalmology for RCTs and CCTs, was attempted by 23 participants and completed by 21, with a median score of 92.7%.
Conclusions: The handsearching course continues to be an information source for the Cochrane Collaboration and others across the world to learn to classify clinical studies as RCTs or CCTs.