Cochrane’s new production model
Cochrane’s Governing Board approved a new model for producing Cochrane Evidence Syntheses in March 2022, which aims to ensure Cochrane remains a viable, sustainable organisation, and is focused on major global health challenges, now and into the future.
Cochrane’s organizational structure is evolving and will continue to do so over the next three to four years, as we implement, test and learn. This stepwise change programme will see us expanding from Cochrane Review Groups as the sole source of review manuscripts, to a more diverse configuration. The new elements of Cochrane’s evidence synthesis model are:
Cochrane Thematic Groups are topic-based collectives, where subject-matter expertise is coordinated to identify priority areas, develop and disseminate high-quality evidence syntheses and continue to sustain Cochrane’s unique network of passionate volunteers.
Cochrane Evidence Synthesis Units are multi-topic research groups focused primarily on developing timely, high-quality relevant to local and regional contexts, and respond to diverse stakeholder needs.
Cochrane’s Central Editorial Service will eventually manage the editorial process for all Cochrane evidence syntheses, and provide a potential pathway for publication in the Cochrane Library. The complete separation of evidence synthesis development from the editorial process is critical to the new model.
All manuscripts developed by Thematic Groups and Cochrane Evidence Synthesis Units (when established) will be submitted to a Central Editorial Service to guarantee editorial independence.
Cochrane Review Groups, Fields and Geographic Groups with stable funding will continue to operate and will have time over the next two to four years to consider if, when and how they will evolve as part of the new model. Some groups have already become 'early adopters' in the first set of Thematic Groups or may explore the option of setting up a Cochrane Evidence Synthesis Unit in their region. Review Groups with stable funding will submit manuscripts to the Central Editorial Service.
Cochrane’s longstanding commitment to methodological excellence and consumer engagement has not changed; Cochrane Methods and Consumer Groups have an ongoing role in the new model.
We are also simplifying systems, processes, and tools to enhance the efficiency of evidence synthesis production and provide tailored support to our authors.