Welcome

Welcome to the December 2020 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.

In this digest we have put together some information about the evidence related to COVID-19 and how Cochrane is responding and have also included links to information about how to make sense of research and tackle the spread of misinformation. Many of the resources posted below are being continually updated. 

Finally, Cochrane has moved to a new system for sending out newsletters and other mailings. To make sure you are receiving the newsletters and updates you want from us, please visit your Cochrane Account to check and update your communications preferences. 

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.

Cochrane vs. COVID-19

This page highlights the many ways that Cochrane has successfully responded to COVID-19 around the world. This new collection contains case studies from multiple Cochrane Groups.

COVID‐19: working together and making a difference for decision‐makers

This new editorial published in the Cochrane Library outlines Cochrane's agile response to the situation and the many lessons learned. 

Featured review: Physical interventions to interrupt or reduce the spread of respiratory viruses

An updated Cochrane review summarizes randomized trial evidence about face masks, hand washing and physical distancing to interrupt or reduce the spread of respiratory viruses. Read more here. 

COVID-19 Recommendations Map: Turning evidence into policy and practice

This new COVID-19 Recommendations Map offers policymakers, healthcare practitioners, researchers and the general public - anywhere in the world - a comprehensive catalogue of critically appraised evidence. 

Information from the World Health Organization regarding misinformation

The World Health Organization's Mythbuster's series offers practical advice for the public to help tackle the spread of misinformation during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Other news

Thank you!

On behalf of Cochrane we would like to thank all the wonderful volunteers who help with Cochrane's important work. We couldn't do it without you! Don't forget you can earn Cochrane Membership by volunteering for us. You can find out more by watching the video here.

#MyCochraneStory

Are you involved in Cochrane? We'd love to hear about what Cochrane work and achievements you are most proud of! Find out more here.  

2020 Annual General Meeting

Cochrane's 2020 Annual General Meeting was held virtually on December 16. The recording and Q&A is now available to view here. 

Global Evidence Summit (GES 2) – Postponed until 2 – 6 October 2023

Read more here.

Special Collection: Physical activity for healthy ageing

Read more here.

Author interview: the role of cognitive behavioural therapy for anxiety disorders in children and adolescents

Read more here.

Survey on Research Priorities in Multiple Sclerosis

Interested in sharing your views on research priorities in multiple sclerosis? Cochrane Multiple Sclerosis & Rare Diseases of the CNS is undertaking a Priority Setting Exercise, looking for important research questions that need answering. Find out more here.

Prostate cancer: “To treat, or not to treat?

In this blog for people making treatment decisions about prostate cancer, surgeons Francisco Lopez, Freddie Hamdy and Alastair Lamb explore the evidence, weigh up the benefits and harms, and suggest some questions that you may wish to discuss with your clinician.