Cochrane’s 2025-2030 scientific strategy highlights the need for diverse evidence synthesis methods to address key research priorities. To advance the scientific strategy, Cochrane reviews should be reported consistently and transparently, regardless of the methods used.

Therefore, in mid-November, Cochrane is implementing three changes to align review reporting formats for different types of Cochrane reviews. These changes include: 

1. minor updates to three subheadings in Cochrane’s intervention review template;
2. new subheadings for reviews of diagnostic test accuracy, methodology, overview, qualitative evidence synthesis, and prognosis; and
3. how authors propose and format rapid reviews.    

Why are we changing? 

These changes are part of Cochrane’s focused review format initiative. Consistent reporting formats across all Cochrane reviews will improve author, reader, and editor experience; streamline editorial, peer review, and copy-editing processes; and increase accessibility, consistency, and impact when they are published on the Cochrane Library. 

The minor updates to the intervention review subheadings were based on feedback from authors, editors, and the Cochrane community. The changes to subheadings for other review types and to the management of rapid reviews will align the reporting for these reviews with Cochrane’s focused review format. We consulted relevant Cochrane Methods Groups to ensure each review type retains subheadings that reflect its unique methodological features.   

When are we changing?

The new subheadings will be available starting 17 November 2025 which coincides with the Central Editorial Service annual submission cut-off dates (14 November 2025–05 January 2026). 

What are the changes? 

For specific changes for different review types, please see this resource on the RevMan KnowledgeBase

1. For intervention reviews

We will make minor changes to three subheadings. Although the subheadings are changing, authors already report the information for these subheadings in reviews. The changes will improve clarity and transparency for reporting differences between protocol and review, equity considerations, and the use of artificial intelligence.  

Key Information for Cochrane authors of reviews of intervention studies: 

• From 17 November, all new submission protocol, review, and updates should use the new subheadings.  
• Protocols, reviews, and updates that are already in editorial (e.g. submitted, under peer review, under revision) have the option of switching to the new subheadings. Otherwise, these will switch to new subheadings on publication or rejection. 

2. For other review types

New subheadings will be available in RevMan on 17 November for the following review types: diagnostic test accuracy, methodology, overview, qualitative evidence synthesis, and prognosis. However, authors will have 6 months to transition to the new subheadings, depending on their review submission timeframe. 

Key Information for Cochrane authors of reviews of diagnostic test accuracy, methodology, overview, qualitative evidence synthesis, and prognosis: 

• If the submission deadline is before 1 May 2026, authors may continue to use the old subheadings or can switch to the new subheadings.   
• If the submission deadline is on or after 1 May 2026, authors should use the new subheadings.
• All new protocol, review, and update submissions from 1 May 2026 should use the new subheadings.  

Additionally, new templates for qualitative evidence synthesis and prognosis reviews are being developed with the Qualitative and Implementation Methods Group and Prognosis Methods Group, respectively, and reflect valuable feedback from the methods community. Like Cochrane's intervention review template, these new templates will contain essential guidance on conducting the review and reporting findings. 

3. For rapid reviews

The proposal and review development phases for Cochrane rapid reviews will change on 17 November. When proposing a new rapid review in Editorial Manager, authors will be guided to first select a review type based on the review question (e.g. intervention, prognosis, etc.) and then indicate whether they are using a rapid review approach.  Authors proposing to use a rapid review approach still should indicate how the review meets the criteria for Cochrane rapid reviews. In review development, authors of new rapid reviews will use the review reporting format in RevMan specific to the review question, instead of using a flexible format.  

Key information for Cochrane authors of rapid reviews: 

• From 17 November, all new submission rapid reviews or protocols should use the review format relevant to the review question (e.g. intervention, diagnostic test accuracy, etc.).
• Rapid reviews that have already been submitted to the Central Editorial Service, which are in revision, or preparing for publication, will switch format to the relevant review type on publication or rejection.

For any questions, please contact us here.