3.4.3.1 The functioning of Cochrane Fields

The principal contact person in each Field is its Field Co-ordinator. Given the differences in terrain* between each Field, not all Fields will necessarily allot equal weight to each function. It is the responsibility of a Field Co-ordinator to allocate the Field’s time and resources to those functions that most effectively fulfil the Field’s role as a support to the Review Groups, and to The Cochrane Collaboration as a whole.

The term terrain is used in this section to denote the range of variable factors operating in a particular area of health care (e.g. levels of awareness, needs, opportunities for action, obstacles to progress, professional considerations etc.) that might influence the direction and/or performance of a Cochrane Field.