Issue 21, December 2024

Welcome to the Author Digest

We hope you find it helpful.

This digest goes out to all active Cochrane authors and will continue to be sent to authors who are opted in. Please review your communication preferences in your Cochrane Account and ensure you are opted in to communications.

Contents

1. Release of version 6.5 of the Cochrane Handbook for Interventions
2. Learn about our new Cochrane groups
3. Methods Support Unit web clinics 2025
4. Artificial Intelligence methods in evidence synthesis: Cochrane Learning Live webinar series starting in January 2025
5. Support Helpdesk, Methods Support Unit, and Cochrane Production Service Christmas closure
6. Top tips for Cochrane Authors

1. Release of version 6.5 of the Cochrane Handbook for Interventions

We are pleased to announce an update to the online version of the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions, which includes updates to the searching for and selecting studies, analyzing data and undertaking meta-analyses, and assessing risk of bias due to missing evidence in a meta-analysis chapters, as well as introducing a new technical supplement to chapter 20 on integrating a full systematic review of economic evidence.

2. Learn about our new Cochrane groups

We’re excited to announce the launch of webpages for Cochrane’s Evidence Synthesis Units and our newest Cochrane Thematic Groups. These pages introduce core team members, and outline the approach and expertise that each group or unit will bring to Cochrane’s new model of evidence synthesis.
Visit the Cochrane Evidence Synthesis Units pages and Cochrane Thematic Groups pages to explore their work and learn more.

3. Methods Support Unit web clinics 2025

The Methods Support Unit is pleased to announce its first web clinics of 2025. These are free to attend for everyone with a Cochrane account. Don’t worry if you can’t make the live session - the recording is sent afterwards to everyone who registers.

• Demonstration of new random-effects methods in RevMan: Tuesday 28th January 2025 20:00 UTC
  
• How well are Cochrane reviews incorporating non-randomised studies of interventions? Lessons learnt from a scoping review: Thursday 6th February 2025 10:00 UTC
  
• Introduction to systematic reviews of prognosis studies: Thursday 27th March 2025 09:00 UTC
  
• Tips for avoiding common errors in protocols for Cochrane Systematic Reviews: Thursday 15th May 2025 08:00 UTC

4. Artificial Intelligence methods in evidence synthesis: Cochrane Learning Live webinar series starting in January 2025

In this webinar series, we will explore the role of AI in evidence synthesis, examine how it can complement traditional methods and provide a platform for experts to discuss the opportunities, challenges, and risks involved. This series targets those with foundational knowledge of systematic reviews who want to stay updated on AI developments in evidence synthesis and how Cochrane is approaching responsible AI use. Find out more and register here.

5. Support Helpdesk, Methods Support Unit, and Cochrane Production Service Christmas closure

For Support Helpdesk:

• The Helpdesk will be open Christmas Eve but with reduced staff capacity.
• The Helpdesk will be closed 25th December - 1st January.
• We will reopen with reduced capacity on 2nd January.

For Methods Support Unit:

• The Methods Support Unit will be closed for the holidays from 24th December - 1st January.

For Cochrane Production Service:

• Last copy-editing assignments before Christmas will be done by 1pm (GMT) on Thursday 19 December 2024.
• CPS will close at 5pm (GMT) on Friday 20 December 2024.
• CPS will reopen at 9am (GMT) on Monday 6 January 2025.
• Proofreads will be prioritised, and they are likely to form the bulk of assignments made in the first week back in 2025.

Copy-editing capacity over the Christmas and New Year period will be much reduced because most of the CPS team are taking a well-deserved break. However, some of the team will continue to work reduced hours.

6. Top tips for Cochrane Authors

The top 5 things that you need to know about RevMan

1. All changes you make in your review are continuously and automatically saved. You can tag a version if needed. 
2. You can work concurrently on different sections of the review. If you work simultaneously on the same section, RevMan will notify you.
3. Advanced integrations are available in RevMan to enhance review quality and support Cochrane's latest methods. You can use Risk of Bias 2, create your 'Summary of findings' tables via GRADEpro GDT and use Study centric data management.
4. Practice reviews are available for all to try out features and functions.
5. The Cochrane Support team are always available to answer any RevMan queries!

Contact us

If you have any questions about any of the above items, please contact us at support@cochrane.org