Converting systematic reviews to Cochrane format: a cross-sectional survey of Australian authors of systematic reviews

BMC Health Services Research Converting systematic reviews to Cochrane format: a cross- sectional survey of Australian authors of systematic reviews Janet H Piehl 0 Sally Green 0 Steve McDonald 0 0 Address: Australasian Cochrane Centre, Monash Institute of Health Services Research, Monash University , Melbourne , Australia s of Reviews of Effectiveness. Results: We identified 88 systematic reviews from the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effectiveness with an Australian as the primary author. We surveyed 52 authors for whom valid contact information was available. The response rate was 88 per cent (46/52). Ten authors replied without completing the survey, leaving 36 valid surveys for analysis. The most frequently cited reasons for not undertaking a Cochrane review were: lack of time (78%), the need to undergo specific Cochrane training (46%), unwillingness to update reviews (36%), difficulties with the Cochrane process (26%) and the review topic already registered with the Cochrane Collaboration (21%). (Percentages based on completed responses to individual questions.) Nearly half the respondents would consider converting their review to Cochrane format. Dedicated time emerged as the most important factor in facilitating the potential conversion process. Other factors included navigating the Cochrane system, assistance with updating and financial support. Eighty-six per cent were willing to have their review converted to Cochrane format by another author. Conclusion: Time required to complete a Cochrane review and the need for specific training are the primary reasons why some authors publish systematic reviews outside of the Cochrane Collaboration. Encouragingly, almost half of the authors would consider converting their review to Cochrane format. Based on the current number of reviews in the Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effectiveness, this could result in more than 700 additional Cochrane reviews. Ways of supporting these authors and how to provide dedicated time to convert systematic reviews needs further consideration. Background The Cochrane Collaboration is an international organisation dedicated to preparing, maintaining and promoting the accessibility of systematic reviews of the effects of health care interventions [ 1 ]. These systematic reviews are published in the Cochrane Library, a regularly updated collection of evidence-based practice databases intended to provide high quality information to people providing and receiving care [ 2 ]. Systematic reviews prepared by members of the Cochrane Collaboration (referred to as Cochrane reviewers) are published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (one of databases included in the Cochrane Library). The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR) is a rapidly expanding collection of full-text summaries of the evidence. Since the Cochrane Library is still a relatively new publication, the 1500 Cochrane reviews only provide answers to about 10 to 15 per cent of all health care questions related to the effectiveness of interventions. As a way of improving the usefulness of the Cochrane Library and complementing the coverage of topics in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, the Library also includes details of published systematic reviews prepared by people outside of the Cochrane Collaboration. The Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effectiveness (DARE) includes structured abstracts of nearly 3000 such systematic reviews from around the world, which have been identified and quality assessed by researchers at the National Health Service (NHS) Centre for Reviews and Dissemination in the United Kingdom [ 3 ]. Several thousand health professionals, researchers and consumers from around 80 countries contribute to the work of the Cochrane Collaboration. Those involved in preparing Cochrane reviews are supported by one of about 50 collaborative review groups worldwide. These groups typically focus on particular conditions or group of conditions, such as tobacco addiction or acute respiratory infections. They provide specialist help, oversee the editorial process and ensure the reviews meet the high standards required for publication in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Cochrane centres, which have a role in promoting and coordinating the work of the Cochrane Collaboration at a regional level, are responsible for training Cochrane reviewers. As one of thirteen Cochrane centres worldwide, the Australasian Cochrane Centre provides training to Cochrane reviewers in Australasia and South East Asia [ 4 ]. The aim of the Centre's training program is to increase the number of high-quality systematic reviews published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. Despite the growing reputation and subject coverage of the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, many systematic reviews continue to be published in paper-based health care journals. Some of these reviews follow the methodological guidelines re (...truncated)