US Cochrane Network-Who are we?

Article type
Authors
Hill M1, Haas DM2, Kariyawasam D1, Kumar N2, Jahanfar S1
1US Cochrane affilate-Central Michigan University
2US-Sattelite-PCG
Abstract
Background: The scientific community in the United States (US) is now linked with the international Cochrane body through the US Cochrane Network since the June 2019 launch in Washington, DC. Central Michigan University Affiliate of Cochrane US-Network is responsible for fulfilling training and knowledge translation gaps.

Objectives: We aimed to investigate the whereabouts of Cochrane affiliated individuals in the United States. We planned to determine how many authors, reviewers, translators, statisticians are self-registered in ARCHIE and their geographical distribution across the USA.

Methods: We used ARCHIE to extract data. Various filtering was used to generate data on the number of authors, reviewers, consumers, statisticians, editors and translators with generated addresses and affiliation is the US. Frequency tables of descriptive characteristics of people registered were created using SPSS and mapping was done using StatPLanet software.

Results: Of 18,739 authors identified with a US-based address in ARCHIE database, 10,617 members self-identified themselves to be a part of the Cochrane community. Figure 1 shows that 8,122 members belonged to a primary group. Of those registered with a primary group, 1,600 (19%) had at least two roles, such as authors and reviewers. Of those who had only one role within a primary group, 3,353 41%) were authors, and 2,818 (35%) were peer reviewers. Moreover, the following frequencies were found using a simple descriptive analysis: Editors (n=116, 1.43%), managing editors (n=4, 0.04%), consumer reviewers (n=142, 1.74%), statisticians (n=13, 0.16%), information technologists (n=9, 0.11%) and hand searchers (n=17, 0.2%). In addition, there were 50 translators (0.61%), but it was not clear what languages these translators can work with. From those who are found in ARCHIE, only 4,650 (57%) are identified as active by ARCHIE administration staff. The mapping of addresses stated by the Cochrane members across the US shows a clear gap in many states (e.g., Figure 2). The remaining maps will be presented at the Colloquium.

Conclusions: There are still many areas in the US that do not have a Cochrane member or have very few members engaged in Cochrane activities. There is also a need to update ARCHIE and create a survey to identify the gaps and needs of Cochrane members across the US.