Article type
Abstract
Background: Cochrane Eyes and Vision (CEV) is committed to generating and disseminating high-quality systematic review evidence that underpins trustworthy clinical practice guidelines. This case study illustrates a collaborative effort between CEV, a Cochrane author team in Japan, and a guideline development group in Lazio, Italy, involving the Cochrane review titled "Anti-vascular endothelial growth factor (anti-VEGF) biosimilars for age-related macular degeneration".
In May 2023, during the development of a Cochrane protocol, the Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service–an Italian Grade Centre planning to develop and implement guidelines on the same topic–approached CEV for collaboration. This partnership involved shared responsibilities and timelines for the Cochrane review production. The collaboration proved mutually beneficial: the guideline development team, aiming to develop evidence-based policies, saved time and resources by avoiding duplication of effort in evidence synthesis. Conversely, the Cochrane author team had the opportunity to fast track their review, aligning with Cochrane's mission to provide timely evidence for evidence-based policy development. The protocol underwent rapid editorial processing and was published in August 2023. As illustrated in the Figure, the systematic review progressed rapidly and is currently (as of February 2024) undergoing editorial processing with Cochrane fast track service, with publication anticipated in March 2024.
Conclusion: This partnership exemplifies the collaborative endeavors in evidence synthesis and guideline development, showcasing the benefits of shared knowledge and resources. Notably, it minimizes duplication of effort and bolsters the efficiency and impact of a Cochrane review.
Relevance and importance to patients: While this study may not have direct implications for patients, the evidence-based guideline resulting from this collaboration will hold significant value for patients and healthcare professionals in Italy and around the world.
In May 2023, during the development of a Cochrane protocol, the Department of Epidemiology, Lazio Regional Health Service–an Italian Grade Centre planning to develop and implement guidelines on the same topic–approached CEV for collaboration. This partnership involved shared responsibilities and timelines for the Cochrane review production. The collaboration proved mutually beneficial: the guideline development team, aiming to develop evidence-based policies, saved time and resources by avoiding duplication of effort in evidence synthesis. Conversely, the Cochrane author team had the opportunity to fast track their review, aligning with Cochrane's mission to provide timely evidence for evidence-based policy development. The protocol underwent rapid editorial processing and was published in August 2023. As illustrated in the Figure, the systematic review progressed rapidly and is currently (as of February 2024) undergoing editorial processing with Cochrane fast track service, with publication anticipated in March 2024.
Conclusion: This partnership exemplifies the collaborative endeavors in evidence synthesis and guideline development, showcasing the benefits of shared knowledge and resources. Notably, it minimizes duplication of effort and bolsters the efficiency and impact of a Cochrane review.
Relevance and importance to patients: While this study may not have direct implications for patients, the evidence-based guideline resulting from this collaboration will hold significant value for patients and healthcare professionals in Italy and around the world.