Review Groups will play a key part in Cochrane’s evidence synthesis model

Cochrane's Editor in Chief, Karla Soares-Weiser, has recently engaged with Cochrane Review Groups (CRGS) to confirm that they remain a vital part of Cochrane’s evidence pipeline.

As part of the new model for producing Cochrane Evidence Syntheses, we initially proposed a gradual shift away from focusing primarily on Cochrane Review Groups (CRGs) for review development. This was one of many changes set out in the Future of Evidence Synthesis programme, alongside the creation of Evidence Synthesis Units and Thematic Groups, the implementation of a centralised editorial process, and the development of new formats and tools for Cochrane reviews. The implementation journey has unveiled a richer and more complex landscape than initially outlined.

As Karla explained: “We understood from the beginning that change of this magnitude would bring its challenges and unknowns. We committed to an agile process, allowing us to test, learn, and adapt as needed. We also made a promise not to disrupt Cochrane Groups with stable funding, including CRGs, and recognise the need for clarity about the future as current funding periods conclude.”

We have a Central Editorial Service that will soon manage the editorial process for all manuscripts and we have indeed diversified our sources of review manuscripts beyond CRGs, both key milestones for Cochrane. However, the first 18 months of implementation have highlighted the essential role that CRGs with ongoing funding can continue to play within the Cochrane ecosystem. Continuing CRGs should remain a vital part of our new evidence synthesis ecosystem, alongside Thematic Groups and Evidence Synthesis Units.

“Continuing CRGs should remain a vital part of our new evidence synthesis ecosystem, alongside Thematic Groups and Evidence Synthesis Units”

The expertise and ongoing support of CRGs are crucial to our mission of delivering high-quality, impactful Cochrane Reviews. We have initiated regular catchups with Coordinating Editors and propose to create a ‘forum’ for all groups engaged in evidence synthesis development, including CRGs, Thematic Groups, and Evidence Synthesis Units. This forum will serve as a platform to discuss Cochrane’s evolving structure and explore how all these groups can support each other to enhance the quality and relevance of our evidence.

Looking forward, we are considering the establishment of an ‘Evidence Synthesis Executive’ drawn from the review development community to help guide our collective efforts. Further details and a series of webinars open to all members of CRGs, Thematic Groups and Evidence Synthesis Units will follow.

“The expertise and ongoing support of CRGs are crucial to our mission of delivering high-quality, impactful Cochrane Reviews”

Addressing CRG teams directly, Karla also said: “I want to extend my heartfelt appreciation to all our Review Group colleagues for their dedication and hard work, particularly during this period of significant change at Cochrane. Thank you for your patience, resilience, and unwavering dedication to Cochrane's mission. I look forward to further strengthening our collaboration.”