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Resource of the week #6: Cochrane Library

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What is it?
The Cochrane Library publishes analysis and reviews of research studies that look at the same problem. The aim is to combine research and develop a consensus view of the problem involved, based on the evidence.

The Cochrane Library also provides a database which allows you to complete searches against the systematic review collection as well as other collections. You can also browse through the topic list of systematic reviews.

Key Features
  • Systematic reviews are developed by completing systematic, detailed literature searches and critical appraisal to identify the relevant evidence.
  • Reviewers often perform meta-analysis to combine results.
  • Conclusions are drawn based on the overall evidence.
You can find details of the search within the full-text of the complete review.

Whilst reviews can be very detailed, technical and long, there is often a plain language summary.

How can it help you?
Cochrane Library systematic reviews can help you to:
  • Determine what the latest research about a topic says
  • Assess whether there is evidence already available for the topic you are looking at
  • Find existing articles on a topic, by checking the reference list
How to access it?
The Cochrane Library is freely available on the Internet. You can run searches and view the full-text of the Cochrane systematic reviews. However some of the articles returned via the search facility will not be available in full-text. You should check your Journal A-Z list to see if you have access.

Cochrane Library Video
What is a Cochrane Systematic Review?


eTutorial
Cochrane Library: Finding Systematic Reviews - here is an introduction to the Cochrane Library and demonstration of how to find a systematic review
Cochrane Library: Advanced Search - use the advanced search options to find systematic reviews and clinical trials

Did you know?
Cochrane produce a number of blogs, Evidently Cochrane, that discuss review findings and how they apply to practice.

More help?
Check our Cochrane Library help page for more help.
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