Skip to main content

Looking for systematic reviews? Go straight to the Cochrane Library

Looking for systematic reviews? Go straight to the Cochrane Library

What is it?

The Cochrane Library publishes analysis and reviews of research studies looking at the same problems, in order to combine the research to develop a consensus view. Reviewers perform a detailed systematic search of the literature to identify good quality studies to investigate and draw valid conclusions from. Their conclusions are published as a systematic review of the particular medical problem.

Systematic Reviews will give you an overview of the literature and current research on a topic.

How to Access…

Who is it for?

The Cochrane Library is freely available on the Internet within the UK, accessible to everyone.

Log in

No login is required.

Key Features

Databases

The Cochrane Library includes the following databases:

  • Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews – full-text of reviews and protocols prepared by the Cochrane review Groups.
  • Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials – reports and bibliographic data of randomized and quasi-randomized controlled trials.
  • Cochrane Clinical Answers – easy-to-read short answers to clinical problems, to support clinical decision-making, based on systematic reviews.

Browse

You can browse through the available systematic reviews either by healthcare topic or by content produced by each Cochrane Review Group.

Search

You can use the simple search box to enter your search terms. Your results will be presented with a tab for each different type of content. You can use filter options to focus your search.

Presentation of example Search Results

Advanced Search

You can use the Advanced Search options to create a search strategy within the Search Manager. This allows you to develop individual search rows, use the thesaurus and combine searches.

Evidently Cochrane – the Cochrane Library Blog

Evidently Cochrane is a blog published by the Cochrane Library. Here you can find discussions about the latest systematic reviews on a range of healthcare topics. Topics are divided into categories, which also include Evidence for Everyday Midwifery and Evidence for Everyday Nursing. The blog is freely available online.

More Help

You can find more help on the using the Cochrane Library in the Online Guides and Support section of our website.

You might like to try our sway presentation Searching Cochrane Library for Systematic Reviews which includes videos.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

You don't need to visit the library to enjoy our services and resources

Are you too busy to visit the Health Library? Are you getting by just googling it? Would you like to get easy access to library resources?  UHNM staff can access many of our services and resources online without having to visit the Health Library. Complete our updated tutorial NHS Online Library for UHNM staff to learn how. You'll learn: how to get your NHS OpenAthens account where to browse our ebook collections how to find a journal which databases you can search how to stay up-to-date with the latest evidence where you can get training and support how to request our services online Make sure you make the most of your library service, even if you don't visit! Please contact the Health Library if you need any more help.

Winter support from BMJ Best Practice

 All NHS staff can access BMJ Best Practice, a key evidence-based tool to support patient care. You'll need to log in with your NHS OpenAthens username. Check out the following topics, which cover presentation, testing, differential diagnosis and management of common winter conditions: Influenza infection Common cold Respiratory syncytial virus infection Community acquired pneumonia Acute exacerbation of COPD Download the app for quick, evidence-based guidance at the point of care, including diagnosis, treatment, and clinical calculators - all accessible offline. More help For more help go to our BMJ Best Practice help page . For help setting up your NHS OpenAthens username go to the NHS OpenAthens page on our website .

Login to Library Search – step-by-step instructions for NHS staff

  Library Search is a discovery tool, allowing you to find items within the library collections. You can search Library Search without logging in to view books and ebooks available in our collections. By logging in to your library account on Library Search you can access a range of additional functionality, such as: Viewing details of your library account Submitting a request to hold a book for you Adding items to your e-bookshelf Saving searches Note that for NHS users logging in to Library Search does not give you access to full-text items. As an NHS member of staff you access online resources using your NHS OpenAthens username. Anatomy of a Library Card First let’s take a quick look at the most important components of your library card. Your library card and library card number give you access to print resources as well as library services. They confirm that you are a member of the library. Your name : this will be printed on your card, so you’ll know it’s yours!...