Evidence synthesis units

The creation of Cochrane Networks in 2018 rearranged the 52 current Review Groups into eight larger networks.  While this reorganization made it easier to provide support and implement new tools, it did not achieve the streamlining that Cochrane needs.

This has led to the current proposal to change the model of production in Cochrane. Under the new model the existing Cochrane Review Group and Network structure will be replaced by eight to 10 larger, multi-topic, interdisciplinary evidence synthesis units that will be responsible for preparing Cochrane evidence syntheses, which will be handled by an independent editorial service. These units will follow the strategic direction of the organization, be outward-looking and comprised of people who are highly skilled in evidence synthesis methods. Cochrane leaders from within and outside the central team will work with funders to identify core funding for the units. On a parallel track the central team will focus on fundraising to support suites of evidence syntheses. 

We recommend that the units be organized geographically to maximise the possibility of securing funding from national governments. However, it’s important that the units are also able to respond to funding calls for evidence synthesis in specific areas.

We envisage that the units will work closely with the Geographic groups and Cochrane leadership to leverage local connections in a way that supports different funding streams.

In the transition period the evidence synthesis unit structure will accommodate Cochrane Review Groups that have stable funding beyond March 2023, ensuring that there is a publication pathway for these groups and existing funding arrangements are not jeopardized.

We propose that each unit will be led by a Cochrane expert who will be responsible for setting yearly plans and meeting key performance indicators in line with a tripartite contractual agreement between the unit, the funder and Cochrane.

Quality assurance will be a key component of the units and the unit leader will ultimately be responsible for the work submitted to the Central Editorial Service. Annual reports of activities, funding and expenditure will be submitted to Cochrane and the funders. 

Evidence syntheses will be prepared by diverse author teams with sufficient knowledge and expertise to guarantee high-quality, timely delivery. Authors will be supported by a skilled and experienced, core team - including but not limited to Managing Editors, Information Specialists, Statisticians, Consumers and Systematic Reviewers.

In some cases, the core team members may take an authorship role; in all cases they will be responsible for managing the development of evidence syntheses according to agreed processes and standards. 

To ensure that Cochrane can deliver different types of evidence syntheses in all the topic areas of interest to funders, there will be scope for sharing content and methods expertise between units.