3.2.3.8 Maintaining communication

Electronic mail (e-mail) is accessible to many authors. However, the editors and Managing Editor need to make sure that those without access are not disadvantaged by this and are kept up-to-date with developments within the Group. Paper and electronic methods of communication need to be supplemented with periodic face-to-face meetings, and the editorial team should take every opportunity to meet with authors, providing a welcoming environment at the editorial base, visiting them when possible, and supporting their applications for funds and fellowships. An annual meeting of the Cochrane Review Group is important. It allows new people to meet existing members, provides a forum for the exchange of ideas, and an opportunity for the Group to discuss what it has learned from its previous year’s experience, to celebrate successes, formulate procedures and discuss new developments. The Managing Editor should ensure that members of the Group are notified of meetings relevant to them, particularly events such as Cochrane workshops and the annual Cochrane Colloquia. These events can be good occasions to which to attach meetings of the Cochrane Review Group as a whole, as combined reasons to meet can save on precious travel budgets. Dedicated collaborators’ meetings can be highly beneficial, but are expensive.