Objectives: To discuss current progress towards living systematic reviews and the opportunities and barriers that exist for this novel approach to updating of Cochrane Reviews.
Description: 'Living systematic review' (LSR) is a novel approach to systematic review updating based on a persistent, dynamic, online-only systematic review, maintained by an evolving author team and updated as new studies become available. Non-Cochrane pilot living systematic reviews are currently underway within the CENTER-TBI project and publication platforms able to support LSRs have been established. Cochrane is well placed to support LSRs, but several issues and barriers need to be resolved. The workshop will provide an open and informal opportunity to discuss LSRs and their potential as a novel approach to updating of Cochrane Reviews.
The workshop will begin an overview presentation (10 minutes) prior to breaking into small groups to discuss current opportunities and barriers with respect to (20 minutes):
- author experience and authorship;
- implications for Cochrane Review Groups and editorial and peer review;
- statistical methods;
- technical requirements;
- publication, dissemination, bibliographic listing and citation;
- intersection with guidelines and other end users.
Each group will report back (30 minutes) and we will then conclude with a general discussion, summarising the key opportunities and barriers (30 minutes).