Checklist for registering a new Field

The following checklist (for registering new Fields or Networks) is based upon the current information in Section 3 of The Cochrane Policy Manual (updated in February 2004), and the following document represents the amendments thought appropriate to the changes to the core functions for Fields and Networks which were implemented at the Barcelona Colloquium in October 2003.

Those proposing the Field should:

1. Ensure that the proposed Field reflects a health care setting, category of consumer or other grouping of interventions that encompasses more than one Cochrane Review Group.
2. Explain why it is thought necessary to form the Field within The Cochrane Collaboration.
3. Ensure that if the health area is not sufficiently covered by existing Fields, letters of support are provided by those Fields whose scope could potentially overlap with the proposed Field.
4. Include plans to address the following core functions that are required of Fields:
   1.        Ensure effective and efficient communication between Field members and members of other entities within The Cochrane Collaboration.
   2. Contribute to maintaining Archie (the Collaboration’s Information Management System).
   3. Create and maintain a Field module at least on an annual basis.
   4. Ensure sustainability and continuity of the Field’s programme of work.
   5. Identify relevant trials and make them accessible through a specialised register.       
      
   6. Ensure the proper representation of its specialist area of health care in Cochrane Review Groups.
   7. Act as a liaison point between the entities within The Cochrane Collaboration and its specialist area of health care.
   8. Promote the accessibility of Cochrane reviews in its specialist area of health care.
   9. Help identify appropriate funding opportunities for Cochrane reviews.
5. Include a clearly documented action plan as to how the core functions will be addressed over a realistically defined time-period (e.g. one to three years).
6. Include details of at least one exploratory meeting of those individuals with an interest in the Field and/or support from the relevant Cochrane Review Groups who have collectively agreed to the concept of registering the Field within the Collaboration. This meeting should include a representative from the Monitoring and Registration Committee (i.e. a MaRC representative should be invited to attend, but if they cannot attend, either in person, by VOIP or by teleconference, the registration process and a provisional agenda for the meeting(s) should be discussed with the relevant MaRC representative(s) in advance).
7. Identify an individual (or group of individuals) who are prepared to take responsibility for co-ordinating the broad range of tasks, which may need to be undertaken by Field Co-ordinators.
8. Ascertain a commitment of funding and resources required to establish and maintain activities within the Field. Are these resources available (or are strategies in place to secure such resources)?
9. Include details of an Advisory Group (or plans for one) comprising individuals who would be acceptable to a broad representation of people within and affected by the Field (including consumers).
10. The proposal is in accordance with the principles of The Cochrane Collaboration and any guidelines or other requirements it currently has in place.
11. Have obtained and attached a letter of endorsement from its reference Cochrane Centre and letters of support from relevant entities with which you are likely to collaborate.
12. Prepared and attached a draft module.