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

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As the BBC Weather team report more hot weather on the way The Conversation reports “ How heatstroke kills – it can still be deadly after your body cools down ”. The author presents the impacts on the body of heat stroke. So what is the latest evidence on treating heat stroke? Check these resources for an overview, key points, diagnosis, treatment options, follow-up and more. [You will need your NHS OpenAthens username to access these resources] BMJ Best Practice – Heat stroke in adults . It is worth checking the BMJ BP comorbidities feature where you can add your patient's comorbidities for tailored treatment recommendations Clinical Key (available to UHNM only) – Heat Exhaustion and Heat Stroke Oxford Medicine Online – Chapter Clinical Emergencies in Oxford Handbook of Adult Nursing; Chapter Neurologic Complications of Acute Environmental Injuries in Neurologic Complications of Critical Illness Patient Information Heat stroke (BMJ best practice) Severe...

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Welcome to the Health Library! Do you work for: UHNM North Staffordshire Combined Healthcare Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent ICB or GP practice Make the most of your Health Library. Complete our online induction to learn about : Facilities you can use such as computer, printers, study pods and our study/work space Resources to support confident decision-making Our expert librarian team to help you in your career progression For more online tutorials go to our Information Skills tutorials page .

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!...

Information Skills for Health

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