The Cochrane Collaboration: Why are Cochrane Reviews different?

Cochrane Reviews | The Cochrane Collaboration

Why are Cochrane Reviews different?

Cochrane Reviews enable the practice of evidence-based health care.

Health care decisions can be made based on the best available research, which is systematically assessed and summarised in a Cochrane Review.

Narrative reviews of healthcare research have existed for many decades, but are often not systematic. They may have been written by a recognised expert, but no one individual has the time to try to identify and bring together all relevant studies. Of more concern, an individual or company might actively seek to discuss and combine only the research which supports their opinions, prejudices or commercial interests. In contrast, a Cochrane Review circumvents this by using a predefined, rigorous and explicit methodology.