Our services include all parts of the systematic review process from searching and screening to data extraction, risk of bias assessment, evidence synthesis, report writing and guideline development, ensuring that you receive a solution tailored to your requirements.
Discover the evidence synthesis services we can provide, and some examples of our work with a range of international health care organizations.
Systematic reviews of interventions
Systematic reviews of interventions assess the benefits and harms of specific interventions by searching, selecting, critically evaluating and synthesizing the evidence that is relevant to a specific research or clinical question.
We can draw on a wide range of experience for systematic reviews, using gold-standard Cochrane methodology including both randomized and non-randomized studies.
Examples of our systematic reviews of interventions
Primary-level worker interventions for the care of mental disorders and distress in low- and middle-income countries
As a response to the COVID-19 pandemic, this review was a high priority for updating. We were involved in methodological guidance, data analysis, and GRADE ratings.
Suicidal behaviour in refugees, asylum seekers and people displaced by conflict
This review was an update of a review on prevalence of suicidal behaviour in displaced people for the World Health Organization (WHO) and UK Aid.
- Publication (2022): Suicide rates and suicidal behaviour in displaced people: A systematic review
- Global News story (2022): ‘This is really the end’: Asylum seekers in Canada struggle with suicidal thoughts
Diagnostic test accuracy reviews
Evaluating diagnostic test accuracy involves determining how well a test can correctly identify individuals with or without a specific condition. Diagnostic test accuracy reviews summarize the evidence on test accuracy, provide a context for the evidence, explain why the results may vary across studies, compare alternative tests, and help people to reach clinical conclusions.
Examples of our diagnostic test accuracy reviews
Diagnostic testing for COVID-19
We contributed to updates of the following Cochrane reviews on diagnostic testing for COVID-19:
- Antibody tests for identification of current and past infection with SARS-CoV-2
- Signs and symptoms to determine if a patient presenting in primary care or hospital outpatient settings has COVID‐19 disease
Adherence as a diagnostic test for HIV
We contributed to a Cochrane review on using adherence as a diagnostic test:
Clinical practice guidelines
Clinical practice guidelines are recommendations aimed at enhancing patient care. They are informed by a systematic review of the evidence, coupled with an evaluation of the pros and cons of different care alternatives.
Many of our review projects contribute to clinical guidelines developed by international organizations such as the WHO and the European Academy of Neurology. We systematically review the evidence for each guideline recommendation and provide methodological support on the guideline development process.
Examples of our contributions to clinical guidelines
Post-COVID-19-condition guideline
- In collaboration with McMaster University and Cochrane Canada
- Our evidence syntheses are contributing to the Canadian Guidelines for Post COVID-19 Condition
WHO guidelines for malaria
- Our systematic review contributed to the WHO guidelines for malaria (2023)
- Version updated in MAGIC app
WHO living guideline on COVID infection prevention and control
- In collaboration with Cochrane Nigeria
- WHO guideline (2023): Infection prevention and control in the context of COVID-19: a guideline
WHO guidelines on Human African trypanosomiasis (sleeping sickness)
- Guideline update (2024): Guidelines for the treatment of human African trypanosomiasis
- Guideline (2019): WHO interim guidelines for the treatment of Gambiense human African trypanosomiasis
WHO guideline for low back pain
- Our reports (unpublished) contributed to the guideline for non-surgical management of chronic primary low back pain in adults in primary and community care settings (2023)
WHO guideline on the management of chronic pain in children
- In collaboration with Cochrane Pain, Palliative and Supportive Care, Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health Professions (NMAHP) Research Unit, University of Stirling, Cochrane Qualitative & Implementation Methods Group
- Guideline (2020): Guidelines on the management of chronic pain in children
WHO guideline on treatment of visceral leishmaniasis in HIV-Leishmania coinfected persons
Living systematic reviews
In the fast-paced and evolving landscape of healthcare, keeping up with emerging research and rapidly evolving medical knowledge is challenging. A new approach to evidence synthesis known as "living systematic reviews" is revolutionizing how we can assess and utilize evidence.
A living systematic review involves us continually updating the body of evidence while maintaining the same level of methodological rigor as a conventional review. This dynamic approach is particularly good for addressing pressing questions in health decision-making. For example, in situations where the current certainty of evidence is limited or weak, and there's a high likelihood of new evidence emerging in the near future.
Examples of our living reviews
A 'living' rapid research needs appraisal for priority diseases platform
- In collaboration with Pandemic Sciences Institute, University of Oxford and Cochrane South Africa
- Living protocol register on Open Science Framework
- Publication from the first pilot on Lassa fever
COVID-19 living systematic review and network meta-analysis
In collaboration with Cochrane France we contributed to three Cochrane reviews and the COVID-NMA living systematic review website
Targeted updates
Targeted Updates are accessible evidence reports produced quickly by using focused questions, a short review format, and Cochrane methodology. We use Cochrane Reviews as a foundation but focus on updating only one or two important comparisons, and the most relevant outcomes.
The final choice of comparisons and outcomes are made in consultation with clients and Cochrane content experts. Cochrane methods are used so that any new data is available to the review authors to facilitate a full Cochrane Review update where appropriate.
The report includes an updated ‘Summary of Findings’ table, a detailed plain language abstract, and summary evidence statement. The search results, risk of bias assessments, analyses, and references are made available in a supplementary report.
"Our Targeted Update was a joy to do. It took about 4 weeks for the Cochrane Group to produce the update, which was extraordinary; and was of really high quality." Jennifer Roberts, Director Clinical Evidence, National Blood Authority
Examples of our targeted updates
Cognitive behavioural therapy for eating disorders
This targeted update on cognitive behavioural therapy compared with any other psychological therapy for binge eating disorder was commissioned by The Norwegian Health Directorate to help develop a guideline.
Updating reports
The Australian National Blood Authority, Norwegian Health Directorate and Swiss Medical Board used a targeted update as an efficient and cost-effective way to update recommendations within their guidelines and HTA reports.
Rapid reviews
Rapid reviews can provide a practical solution for policymakers, providing rapid access to high quality evidence to inform decisions.
We work with the Cochrane Rapid Reviews Methods Group to deliver rapid reviews tailored to your knowledge needs. Timelines are reduced by using abbreviated review methods, focused questions and shorter review formats.
We work with clients to identify the process and methodology most appropriate for the project; based on understanding required timelines, resources, complexity and sensitivity of the research topic and the policy context.
Scoping reviews
Scoping reviews include details concerning the present understanding (such as key concepts, themes, trends) and may also uncover literature gaps. By adopting a comprehensive and wide-ranging approach, scoping reviews offer an exploratory and all-encompassing perspective on the available evidence.
Evidence maps and landscapes
An evidence map is a tool that aims to capture the diversity and distribution of research across various study designs, outcomes, and populations related to a given topic. By mapping the existing evidence landscape, you can better understand the strengths and gaps in evidence, making informed choices about resource allocation and research priorities.
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