Article type
Abstract
Background
Cochrane’s reputation as the home of trusted evidence is built on a foundation of robust methods. Cochrane also involves collaboration between people with diverse backgrounds and welcomes contributions from people who may not have had training in systematic review methods, for example, patients, carers, and health professionals.
The Methods Support Unit in Cochrane was established in 2019 to provide methodological and statistical advice to Cochrane authors and editors. We have now dealt with more than 1,400 requests for help, which can vary from advice on subgroup analysis to full peer reviews. Our experience has given us a thorough understanding of the issues that authors find difficult.
Methods and Statistics Tutorials
It became clear to us that it would be helpful to develop a bank of resources that gives advice on these common problems. There are already many written sources of guidance available, and so we decided to develop unique resources that would provide simple explanations of methodological and statistical issues but would also include hands-on learning. We collaborated with Cochrane’s Learning Team to discuss ways of complementing guidance with interactive online learning resources.
In June 2023, we launched the Methods and Statistics Tutorials series in the open access journal Cochrane Evidence Synthesis and Methods. Each article includes guidance and examples of how to deal with common issues, and a self-directed micro-learning module that provides video content and practical exercises. Please see the attached image for a screenshot from a micro-learning module. As of February 2024, we have published 3 articles that have had more than 5,000 views; many more are in the pipeline.
Plans for Oral Session
We will showcase the tutorials that have been published to date and demonstrate how the written material is enhanced by the micro-learning modules. We will discuss how we are promoting the series to reach a global audience, with a focus on groups that may have difficulties in accessing traditional sources of information. We will also describe how we have been consulting with consumers to prioritize new articles.
The session will be relevant to patients who are interested in developing their skills in evidence synthesis.
Cochrane’s reputation as the home of trusted evidence is built on a foundation of robust methods. Cochrane also involves collaboration between people with diverse backgrounds and welcomes contributions from people who may not have had training in systematic review methods, for example, patients, carers, and health professionals.
The Methods Support Unit in Cochrane was established in 2019 to provide methodological and statistical advice to Cochrane authors and editors. We have now dealt with more than 1,400 requests for help, which can vary from advice on subgroup analysis to full peer reviews. Our experience has given us a thorough understanding of the issues that authors find difficult.
Methods and Statistics Tutorials
It became clear to us that it would be helpful to develop a bank of resources that gives advice on these common problems. There are already many written sources of guidance available, and so we decided to develop unique resources that would provide simple explanations of methodological and statistical issues but would also include hands-on learning. We collaborated with Cochrane’s Learning Team to discuss ways of complementing guidance with interactive online learning resources.
In June 2023, we launched the Methods and Statistics Tutorials series in the open access journal Cochrane Evidence Synthesis and Methods. Each article includes guidance and examples of how to deal with common issues, and a self-directed micro-learning module that provides video content and practical exercises. Please see the attached image for a screenshot from a micro-learning module. As of February 2024, we have published 3 articles that have had more than 5,000 views; many more are in the pipeline.
Plans for Oral Session
We will showcase the tutorials that have been published to date and demonstrate how the written material is enhanced by the micro-learning modules. We will discuss how we are promoting the series to reach a global audience, with a focus on groups that may have difficulties in accessing traditional sources of information. We will also describe how we have been consulting with consumers to prioritize new articles.
The session will be relevant to patients who are interested in developing their skills in evidence synthesis.