3.5.4 Improving methodological support in The Cochrane Collaboration

In October 2003, The Cochrane Collaboration Steering Group (CCSG) approved the inclusion of the following text in the Policy Manual:

1.    New Methods Groups may need to focus their efforts on conducting research and producing advisory material before they can be in a position to provide useful one-to-one advice to Cochrane Review Groups (CRGs), Centres and Fields. Methods Groups will state in their module their current ability to provide advice.

2.    When preparing funding applications for health research projects it is expected that CRGs, Centres and Fields should consider including budget lines to fund the methodological and statistical support that they require to complete those projects.

3.    CRGs should ensure that their named methodological or statistical consultant is able to commit regular time to the work of the CRG.

4.    The CCSG endorsed the model of methodological and statistical consultants being editors of CRGs, to enable them to play a greater role in ensuring and improving methodological quality of Cochrane Reviews.

5.    Everyone involved in CRGs, Methods Groups, Centres and Fields should look for opportunities to involve new methodologists in the work of the Collaboration, and ensure that they are linked into the relevant Methods Group(s).
 

In 2009, the core functions of Methods Groups were revised better to reflect both the diversity of the types of methods that they addressed, and the associated needs of the Collaboration with regard to those methods. The revised core functions had an increased emphasis on the role of Methods Group in providing policy advice, serving as a forum for discussion, and ensuring that the Group functions as part of The Cochrane Collaboration. Methods Groups were also given the option to adopt one or more elective core functions, which include providing training, hosting a network of CRG-based methods individuals, providing peer review and specialist advice, helping to monitor and improve the quality of Cochrane Reviews, and conducting methodological research; it is recognised and accepted that not all Methods Groups will take on all these functions.