Welcome

Welcome to the April 2021 Cochrane Consumer community news digest. As we write this, we are aware of the impact that Coronavirus (COVID-19) is having across the world. On behalf of our colleagues at Cochrane we would like to send our best wishes to you, your family and friends in these difficult times.

We are starting this digest with an important update on the changes in Cochrane's leadership, as we say farewell to our colleague Mark Wilson after eight years of distinguished service as Cochrane's CEO. 

Also in this digest, we have put together some information about the evidence related to COVID-19 and how Cochrane is responding. Many of the resources posted below are being continually updated. 

Farewell message to Mark Wilson

Mark G. Wilson has stepped down as Cochrane's CEO after eight years of distinguished service. The Cochrane Board reflects on the huge contributions Mark has made, leading Cochrane through a period of extensive growth and development. They also invite the community to share pictures and wish Mark the very best for the future. Read more here. 

Coronavirus (COVID-19) - Cochrane resources and news

This page (updated daily) highlights content relating to the COVID-19 pandemic and the various related activities that Cochrane is undertaking in response.

iHealthFacts.ie – health claims, fact checked

iHealthFacts is a resource where the public can quickly and easily check the reliability of a health claim circulated by social media. The resource is from Evidence Synthesis Ireland and Health Research Board-Trials Methodology Research Network (Ireland). Read more here. 

Rapid point-of-care tests for diagnosing COVID-19 infection: the latest Cochrane evidence

In this blog for anyone interested in rapid point-of-care tests for diagnosing COVID-19 infection, Jac Dinnes from University of Birmingham discusses her recently published Cochrane Review to help healthcare professionals and members of the public interpret the evidence for their accuracy. Read more here. 

Updated review: Can international travel-related control measures contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic?

This updated Cochrane rapid review examines international travel-related control measures to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. Read more here. 

Other news

The Cochrane Consumer Network Executive is looking for a new member

Are you interested in health research and developing the involvement of patients and the public in Cochrane’s work? We need more input from Low and Middle-income countries, and consumers whose first language isn’t English. Find out more here. 

Shared Decision-Making: Experiences from Karen Morley

At our recent webinar for Virtually Cochrane, Karen shared her experiences of using Cochrane evidence as part of shared decision making. If you missed the session you can watch Karen's presentation here.

World Health Day 2021: Building a fairer, healthier world

Wednesday 7 April marked World Health Day, a day organised by the World Health Organization (WHO) to highlight a particular global health issue. This year, it aims to spotlight health equity. Read more here. 

Exceptional global collaboration delivers the new PRISMA 2020 statement

The Cochrane community contributes to an updated PRISMA statement. Read more here. 

Featured Review: Floss and other devices for cleaning between the teeth to prevent gum disease and tooth decay

Cochrane reviews the evidence on flossing and cleaning between your teeth. Read the full review here. 

Talking to GPs about endometriosis: Lara’s story

In a blog for GPs and for people seeking help from their GPs (especially those who have or may have endometriosis), Lara Cowpe reflects upon her experiences with GPs during her endometriosis journey. Read more here.