Cochrane is part of a new global consortium to develop new tools, powered by artificial intelligence (AI), to analyse and synthesise research evidence on the relationships between climate change and human health.

The consortium is supported by a £10.2 million grant from Wellcome over four years, led by the Berlin-based climate research institute MCC.

The DESTINY project will develop novel AI-driven tools to make evidence synthesis faster, more efficient and continuously updated. The tools aim to automate and streamline tasks such as detecting relevant individual studies, extracting and synthesising their respective findings and identifying overarching insights.

As an internationally-recognised leader in evidence synthesis for human health, Cochrane will help to apply our methodological expertise to the field of climate research. We will co-lead several work programmes with the Campbell Collaboration, who specialize in evidence synthesis for social research.

It will be vital to ensure that outputs from automated tools are responsible and robust, with human oversight offering safeguards and methodological expertise. Cochrane will co-lead this workstream with Campbell, defining standards for responsible AI use and producing best-practice guidance. We will also help to ensure that the technology can be used equitably across the world, working with our extensive global network and consortium partners to build and strengthen capacity.

“Climate change poses one of the greatest threats to human health, so this project is both vital and timely,” says Dr Karla Soares-Weiser, Editor-in-Chief of the Cochrane Library and co-Principal Investigator on the DESTINY project. “It has the potential to transform evidence synthesis for climate and health, equipping decision-makers with the evidence they need to make informed decisions. Climate change is a key research priority in Cochrane’s scientific strategy, while methodological innovation is one of our core commitments. The DESTINY project will enable us to further these goals in collaboration with partners across the world, all bringing our own strengths to deliver the best outcomes.”

The project takes place in the context of a wider investment into evidence synthesis infrastructure, with £54.2 million of funding announced in September from both Wellcome and the UK government. The DESTINY grant is a separate award focused on climate change and health, signalling Wellcome’s leadership in this area.

“Stopping climate change is critical for securing human health,” says Jan Minx, head of the MCC working group Applied Sustainability Science and principal investigator of the DESTINY project. “Policymakers need the best and most recent scientific evidence to support their decisions, but the ready-to-hand evidence is often anecdotal and outdated. This project is pushing the boundaries of what is possible by using the latest advances in AI. It will demonstrate that the scientific knowledge needed for health-centred climate action can be synthesised and provided almost instantly. Speed and scientific rigour can go hand in hand – this is key to efficiently solving the big issues of our time.”

The consortium partners are Cochrane, University College London, The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, the ACRES Center for Rapid Evidence Synthesis, Future Evidence Foundation, the African Synthesis Centre for Climate Change, Environment and Development, Effective Basic Services (eBase) Africa, the Campbell Collaboration. “Having a diverse community of partners will ensure equity and inclusion in global evidence infrastructures,” says Patrick Okwen, Co-Investigator from eBase Africa.

Title: Assistant Quality Assurance Editor
Specifications: Permanent – Full Time
Salary: £30,000 per annum
Location: (Remote) based in the UK, Germany or Denmark
Directorate: Evidence Production and Methods Directorate
Closing date: 17 December 2024

Cochrane is an international charity. For 30 years we have responded to the challenge of making vast amounts of research evidence useful for informing decisions about health. We do this by synthesising research findings and our work has been recognised as the international gold standard for high quality, trusted information.

As Assistant Quality Assurance Editor within Cochrane’s Editorial Department, you will provide support to the Quality Assurance Editor and Senior Quality Assurance Editor, to help them to assess whether protocols, reviews and updates submitted to Cochrane’s Central Editorial Service have met Cochrane’s methodological standards. The post holder will provide this support by gathering information on individual reviews (e.g., by performing initial checks on submitted reviews, identifying and accessing relevant papers, or performing consistency checks within the reviews), assisting with the write up of peer review reports, and helping the Quality Assurance Team to reach consensus on recommendations to make for each submission.

You will also be trained to conduct your own full assessments of protocols, reviews and updates submitted to Cochrane’s Central Editorial Service have met Cochrane’s methodological standards, with the possibility of moving up a level to the role of ‘Quality Assurance Editor’ at a future stage. 

Don’t have every single qualification? We know that some people are less likely to apply for a job unless they are a perfect match. At Cochrane, we’re not looking for “perfect matches.” We’re looking to welcome people to our diverse, inclusive, and passionate workplace. So, if you’re excited about this role but don’t have every single qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. Whether it’s this role or another one, you may be just the right candidate.

Our organisation is built on four core values:

Collaboration: Underpins everything we do, locally and globally.

Relevant: The right evidence at the right time in the right format.

Integrity: Independent and transparent.

Quality: Reviewing and improving what we do, maintaining rigour and trust.

You can expect:

• An opportunity to truly impact health globally.
•   A flexible work environment
• A comprehensive onboarding experiences.
•  An environment where people feel welcome, heard, and included, regardless of their differences.

Cochrane welcomes applications from a wide range of perspectives, experiences, locations, and backgrounds; diversity, equity and inclusion are key to our values.

How to apply

•  For further information on the role and click “how to apply”.
• The deadline to receive your application is 17 December, 2024.
• The supporting statement should indicate why you are applying for the post, and how far you meet the requirements, using specific examples.
• Read our Recruitment Privacy Statement

Title: Consumer Support Officer
Specifications: Fixed term contract (12 months) – Part time 0.6 FTE (22.5 hours)
Salary: £35,000 (pro-rata) per annum
Location: Remote working (UK office located in Central London)
Closing date: 11 December 2024
             
Cochrane is an international charity. For 30 years we have responded to the challenge of making vast amounts of research evidence useful for informing decisions about health. We do this by synthesising research findings and our work has been recognised as the international gold standard for high quality, trusted information.

Cochrane's strength is in its collaborative, global community. We have 110,000+ members and supporters around the world. Though we are spread out across the globe, our shared passion for health evidence unites us. Our Central Executive Team supports this work and is divided into four directorates: Evidence Production and Methods, Publishing and Technology, Development, and Finance and Corporate Services.

The Consumer Support Officer will work closely with Cochrane’s Consumer Engagement Manager to support the involvement of consumers (patients, carers and the public) in the Welcome-funded GALENOS project, including in systematic reviews about mental health topics. Support of consumers in this work will involve connecting consumers with lived experience of mental health challenges to researchers, developing learning resources to support consumer involvement in systematic reviews, and generally promoting patient and public involvement in the systematic review space.

Don’t have every single qualification? We know that some people are less likely to apply for a job unless they are a perfect match. At Cochrane, we’re not looking for “perfect matches.” We’re looking to welcome people to our diverse, inclusive, and passionate workplace. So, if you’re excited about this role but don’t have every single qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. Whether it’s this role or another one, you may be just the right candidate.

Our organisation is built on four core values:

Collaboration: Underpins everything we do, locally and globally.

Relevant: The right evidence at the right time in the right format.

Integrity: Independent and transparent.

Quality: Reviewing and improving what we do, maintaining rigour and trust.

You can expect:

• An opportunity to truly impact health globally.
•   A flexible work environment
• A comprehensive onboarding experiences.
•  An environment where people feel welcome, heard, and included, regardless of their differences.

Cochrane welcomes applications from a wide range of perspectives, experiences, locations, and backgrounds; diversity, equity and inclusion are key to our values.

How to apply

•  For further information on the role and click “how to apply”.
• The deadline to receive your application is 11 December, 2024.
• The supporting statement should indicate why you are applying for the post, and how far you meet the requirements, using specific examples.
• Read our Recruitment Privacy Statement

Title: Business Development Manager
Specifications: Permanent – Full time
Salary: £45,000 per annum
Location: Remote working (UK office located in Central London)
Closing date:  11 December 2024

Cochrane is an international charity. For 30 years we have responded to the challenge of making vast amounts of research evidence useful for informing decisions about health. We do this by synthesising research findings and our work has been recognised as the international gold standard for high quality, trusted information.

Cochrane has ambitious plans to raise funds to support our work to address the world’s most pressing health challenges. This role will work closely with the Head of Business Development to implement a strategic fundraising plan to make those ambitions a reality. 

We are seeking a self-starter; an experienced and energetic fundraiser with a proven track-record of successfully securing five and six figure gifts from a wide range of donors. You have experience of fundraising from global high-value trusts and foundations, as well as from government or multilateral donors (e.g. the European Union).   

You are an experienced donor account manager with excellent communication skills. You will promote best practice within your field of expertise and will work to ensure the highest quality and levels of efficiency. You are aligned with Cochrane’s core mission and vision, and you will be comfortable brokering relationships with representatives from key donors. 

Don’t have every single qualification? We know that some people are less likely to apply for a job unless they are a perfect match. At Cochrane, we’re not looking for “perfect matches.” We’re looking to welcome people to our diverse, inclusive, and passionate workplace. So, if you’re excited about this role but don’t have every single qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. Whether it’s this role or another one, you may be just the right candidate.

Our organisation is built on four core values:

Collaboration: Underpins everything we do, locally and globally.

Relevant: The right evidence at the right time in the right format.

Integrity: Independent and transparent.

Quality: Reviewing and improving what we do, maintaining rigour and trust.

You can expect:

• An opportunity to truly impact health globally.
•   A flexible work environment
• A comprehensive onboarding experiences.
•  An environment where people feel welcome, heard, and included, regardless of their differences.

Cochrane welcomes applications from a wide range of perspectives, experiences, locations, and backgrounds; diversity, equity and inclusion are key to our values.

How to apply

•  For further information on the role and click “how to apply”.
• The deadline to receive your application is 11 November, 2024.
• The supporting statement should indicate why you are applying for the post, and how far you meet the requirements, using specific examples.
• Read our Recruitment Privacy Statement

Cochrane has, for over 30 years, built a reputation for producing high-quality evidence syntheses that inform healthcare decisions worldwide. Cochrane reviews are recognized as one of the world’s most trusted sources of evidence, making them essential resources for healthcare professionals, policymakers, researchers, as well as patients and carers. 

A cornerstone of Cochrane’s work is its rigorous methodological approach. The methods employed by Cochrane are designed to ensure that the evidence synthesized is transparently and rigorously appraised. By defining and following best practices in evidence synthesis, Cochrane ensures its reviews not only meet high quality standards but also provide actionable insights for improving healthcare outcomes.  

At the center of this are Cochrane Methods, which play an essential role in guiding the production of these high-quality systematic reviews. The established clear standards and comprehensive guidelines that authors follow ensure thorough and transparent evidence synthesis. Cochrane’s educational resources, including the Cochrane Methodology Handbooks, webinars, and tutorials, also equip researchers and practitioners with the tools to apply these methods effectively.  

"Within Cochrane’s methods community, we are constantly learning from each other. From our Methods Groups who research and define best practice, to teams involved in implementation, and the commitment of authors and editors in adhering to the standards, everyone brings something valuable to the table. The community Cochrane has built is one of collaboration and shared knowledge, and with the commitment to innovate in methods in Cochrane’s new Scientific Strategy, we are excited to see what comes next."

-  Ella Flemyng, Head of Editorial Policy and Research Integrity

To support and strengthen these efforts, Cochrane draws on the expertise of the Cochrane Methods Network, which consists of 18 specialized Methods Groups. Each group focuses on a specific method or review type relevant to Cochrane reviews. They are involved in methods research, defining best practice and supporting implementation in Cochrane.   

“My favourite thing about Cochrane is the opportunity to collaborate with folks from across the globe with a shared purpose of advancing systematic review methods to improve patient care.”

- Tahira Devji, Patient-Reported Outcomes Methods Group

Cochrane's Scientific Strategy 2025–2030 underscores the commitment to methodological innovation in evidence synthesis. Areas of key focus include methods adaptation as we diversify our reviews and included evidence, living evidence, and the potential integration of artificial intelligence (AI) into evidence synthesis processes.  

As the pace of new research accelerates, keeping systematic reviews up-to-date with the latest evidence has become increasingly vital. Cochrane is at the forefront of this evolution with our leadership in living systematic reviews —a dynamic approach that ensures evidence remains current and relevant. This innovation aligns closely with the Wellcome Trust's recent announcement of a £45 million investment to accelerate "living evidence synthesis" and emphasizes our commitment to providing the most current, reliable evidence to inform healthcare decisions. By keeping evidence up to date, healthcare professionals and policymakers can make informed decisions based on the most relevant and timely information. Cochrane’s focus on living evidence not only enhances the impact of our work but also shows our proactive response to the changing needs of modern healthcare. 

A key element in pioneering evidence synthesis methodology is the integration of AI.  By automating time-consuming tasks such as data extraction, analysis, and even the synthesis of findings, AI could help streamline the review process, allowing researchers to focus on interpreting results and making informed recommendations. AI tools could help make the synthesis of large datasets more efficient, ensuring that healthcare professionals have access to comprehensive, timely evidence.  However, these advancements also emphasize the importance of maintaining ethical standards and ensuring that AI applications in evidence synthesis remain transparent and accountable. To ensure the responsible use of AI, Cochrane is collaborating with other evidence synthesis organizations and actively engaging with stakeholders and the research community to establish best practices. 

Looking ahead, Cochrane’s focus on continuous improvement, collaboration, and methodological excellence will remain key to its mission of improving health outcomes worldwide. 

Join us on Instagram, LinkedIn, and X as we celebrate Cochrane Methods Week, 18-22 November 2024! This week is dedicated to showcasing the robust methodologies that underpin Cochrane’s trusted evidence and exploring innovations shaping the future of evidence synthesis. Participate by following our accounts and using the hashtag #CochraneMethods to join the conversation and ask questions

• Monday 18 Nov - Cochrane Methods Groups Discover the areas of expertise within Cochrane Methods Groups and their vital contributions to evidence synthesis methods.
• Tuesday 19 Nov - Resources and Training Explore Cochrane’s wide range of resources and training opportunities.
• Wednesday 20 Nov - Cochrane Handbooks Learn how Cochrane Handbooks uphold methodological rigour and guide the production of high-quality evidence.
• Thursday 21 Nov - Interactive Day Let's pause for some fun! Engage with quizzes, polls, and other fun activities to test your knowledge of Cochrane Methods.
• Friday 22 November - Looking Ahead Explore how Cochrane continues to innovate methodology and find out how you can get involved in Cochrane’s methodological work and the publishing process.

Title: Methods Implementation Editor
Specifications: Permanent – Full time
Salary: £45,000 per annum
Location: Remote working (Flexible)
Closing date: 11 November 2024

Cochrane is an international charity. For 30 years we have responded to the challenge of making vast amounts of research evidence useful for informing decisions about health. We do this by synthesising research findings and our work has been recognised as the international gold standard for high quality, trusted information.

As Methods Implementation Editor, you will play a crucial role in driving the successful delivery of methods-related projects and developments in Cochrane. You will work closely with cross-functional teams and renowned methodologists in our community to ensure Cochrane continues to use rigorous, up-to-date and innovative methods.

The Methods Implementation Editor sits in the Editorial Policy and Research Integrity team in Cochrane’s Evidence Production and Methods Directorate. This team focuses on defining and implementing best practice in systematic review methods, research integrity and publication ethics, as well as facilitating adherence to Cochrane standards through work aimed at continuous improvement. Working together, this team helps define the foundations for trusted evidence that sets Cochrane reviews apart, facilitating our mission and strategic goals.

Don’t have every single qualification? We know that some people are less likely to apply for a job unless they are a perfect match. At Cochrane, we’re not looking for “perfect matches.” We’re looking to welcome people to our diverse, inclusive, and passionate workplace. So, if you’re excited about this role but don’t have every single qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. Whether it’s this role or another one, you may be just the right candidate.

Our organization is built on four core values:

Collaboration: Underpins everything we do, locally and globally.

Relevant: The right evidence at the right time in the right format.

Integrity: Independent and transparent.

Quality: Reviewing and improving what we do, maintaining rigour and trust.

You can expect:

• An opportunity to truly impact health globally.
•   A flexible work environment
• A comprehensive onboarding experiences.
•  An environment where people feel welcome, heard, and included, regardless of their differences.

Cochrane welcomes applications from a wide range of perspectives, experiences, locations, and backgrounds; diversity, equity and inclusion are key to our values.

How to apply

•  For further information on the role and click “how to apply”.
• The deadline to receive your application is 11 November, 2024.
• The supporting statement should indicate why you are applying for the post, and how far you meet the requirements, using specific examples.
• Read our Recruitment Privacy Statement

Cochrane's members and supporters come from more than 130 countries, worldwide. Our volunteers and contributors are researchers, health professionals, patients, carers, people passionate about improving health outcomes for everyone, everywhere.

Getting involved in Cochrane’s work means becoming part of a global community. The Cochrane International Mobility programme connects successful applicants with a placement in a host Cochrane Group, where they learn about the production, use, and knowledge translation of Cochrane reviews. The prgramme offers opportunities for learning and training not only for participants but also for host staff.

In this series, we profile those who have participated in the Cochrane International Mobility Program and learn more about their experiences.

Name: Silvana Urru
Location: Italy
CIM Location: Cochrane Sweden

How did you first learn about Cochrane?
As a researcher, I have always sought evidence to support hypotheses, and discovering that there was an international non-profit organization dedicated to gathering, critically evaluating, and disseminating information on the efficacy and safety of healthcare interventions was incredibly exciting for me. I decided to deepen my understanding and contribute, in my own small way, to this organization. Initially, I participated as a volunteer in on the citizen science platform,  Cochrane Crowd, with Anna Noel Storr. Later, I joined the Board of Directors of the Alessandro Liberati Association – Cochrane  Italy Affiliate Centre. There, I had the good fortune to meet the President, Maria Grazia Celani, neurologist, that works at the Neurophysiopathology Unit of the Perugia Hospital and is the head of the clinic for demyelinating diseases. She is involved in epidemiological research and randomized controlled trials. She is a methodologist within the Cochrane Neurological Sciences Field and is the author of several Cochrane systematic reviews on interventions and diagnostics. Her enthusiasm for evidence-based research is particularly focused on conveying to clinicians the importance of continuous learning and sharing the best available evidence with colleagues in order to address relevant questions for patients. Maria Grazia connected me with Matteo Bruschettini from Cochrane Sweden.

What was your Cochrane International Mobility experience like?
In 2023, Matteo invited me to participate in a Cochrane review. Matteo was incredibly kind, supportive, and highly professional in both neonatal care and evidence synthesis. Our small team of five met regularly over Zoom, where Matteo patiently guided us through each step, explaining everything in detail—from the evolution of Cochrane methodologies to practical tips on using the RevMan software. 

What are you doing now in relation to your virtual Cochrane International Mobility experience?
Our Cochrane review on strategies for the cessation of caffeine administration in preterm infants has been recently published. Thanks to Matteo, who is extremely professional and exceptionally skilled, I have learned a lot and continue to do so. We have more studies planned, and with his guidance, I am confident that we will complete them soon.

It is crucial to bring as much scientific evidence as possible into the healthcare field, as it is fundamental for patient safety and for shaping health policy strategies.

Do you have any words of advice to anyone considering a Cochrane International Mobility experience?Yes! Do not hesitate to contact the Cochrane center wherever you are based, or to search for posts in volunteer platform, Cochrane Engage. Doing a systematic review is great way to master research methodology and to provide reliable evidence synthesis.

Title: Executive Support Officer
Specifications: Permanent – Full time
Salary: £43,000 per annum
Location: Remote working
Closing date: 7 November 2024

Cochrane is an international charity. For 30 years we have responded to the challenge of making vast amounts of research evidence useful for informing decisions about health. We do this by synthesising research findings and our work has been recognised as the international gold standard for high quality, trusted information.

Cochrane's strength is in its collaborative, global community. We have 110,000+ members and supporters around the world. Though we are spread out across the globe, our shared passion for health evidence unites us. Our Central Executive Team supports this work and is divided into five directorates: Evidence Production and Methods, Publishing and Technology, Development, Chief Executive Office and Finance and Corporate Services.

As the Executive Support Officer, you will be key in providing high-level administrative, organizational, and logistical support to the Editor-in-Chief (EiC) and facilitating alignment with the senior Evidence Production & Methods (EPMD) team. This role is essential for ensuring the smooth operation of EPMD projects and activities while also supporting Cochrane’s Editorial Board. By efficiently managing administrative tasks and optimizing processes, you will enable the EiC to concentrate on strategic priorities and key projects.

Don’t have every single qualification? We know that some people are less likely to apply for a job unless they are a perfect match. At Cochrane, we’re not looking for “perfect matches.” We’re looking to welcome people to our diverse, inclusive, and passionate workplace. So, if you’re excited about this role but don’t have every single qualification, we encourage you to apply anyway. Whether it’s this role or another one, you may be just the right candidate.

Our organization is built on four core values:
Collaboration: Underpins everything we do, locally and globally.
Relevant: The right evidence at the right time in the right format.
Integrity: Independent and transparent.
Quality: Reviewing and improving what we do, maintaining rigour and trust.

You can expect:

• An opportunity to truly impact health globally.
• A flexible work environment.
• A comprehensive onboarding experiences.
• An environment where people feel welcome, heard, and included, regardless of their differences.

Cochrane welcomes applications from a wide range of perspectives, experiences, locations, and backgrounds; diversity, equity and inclusion are key to our values.

How to apply 

• For further information on the role and click “how to apply”.
• The deadline to receive your application is 7 November 2024.
• The supporting statement should indicate why you are applying for the post, and how far you meet the requirements, using specific examples.
• Read our Recruitment Privacy Statement.

“When my husband was faced with a major decision between surgery and radiation for his cancer treatment, we were overwhelmed by the different perspectives from the specialists — each one focusing only on their own treatment. No one put the options side by side. That’s where the patient decision aids made all the difference. We felt empowered, informed, and confident in the choice we made — knowing we had truly considered every option.” — Maureen Smith, caregiver and patient advocate. 

Patient decision aids (PDAs), like the one Maureen and her husband used, are evidence-based tools that help individuals make informed decisions about their healthcare. These tools help patients understand the benefits and risks of each option while clarifying their personal values. Often, decision aids include visual tools such as charts or diagrams to simplify complex medical data, making it easier for patients to grasp the implications of their choices. PDAs also encourage collaboration between patients and healthcare providers, ensuring that decisions align with both medical expertise and the patient’s informed preferences. 

A Cochrane review led by Professor Dawn Stacey analyzed data from over 200 studies and found that PDAs significantly improve patient knowledge, reduce decisional conflict, and support informed, values-based choices. The review examined decision aids used across 71 different health decisions, including cardiovascular treatments, cancer screening, mental health care, and joint replacement surgery. Stacey, who has led the review since 2010, explained that the evidence supporting PDAs has only grown stronger over time, showing their positive impact on both decision-making processes and the quality of decisions themselves. PDAs are particularly useful for preparing patients and their family members to take a more active role in making decisions. 

Maureen’s experience reflects this impact. As her husband's primary caregiver, they received information from two different specialists; each focused on their specific treatment without offering a full comparison of options. Feeling overwhelmed, Maureen turned to patient decision aids that she had learned about through her research involvement. Sitting together at their kitchen table, they used the decision aid on their laptops, reviewing the pros and cons of surgery versus radiation in detail. 

“We took our time, discussing each part and revisiting the options when needed,” says Maureen. “It allowed us to compare the options side by side, understand the long-term consequences, and align the decision with what was truly important to my husband.” This process transformed an overwhelming situation into a structured, informed journey where both Maureen and her husband felt prepared and supported. 

Ultimately, her husband opted for surgery, confident that they had fully weighed all the options. Today, Maureen looks back with gratitude, knowing the decision aid gave them control during a difficult time in their lives. “We knew we had considered everything, and that gave us peace of mind.”  

PDAs also provide broader benefits. According to Dawn Stacey, PDAs empower patients by improving their knowledge and understanding of the treatment options available. "Patients feel more prepared because now when they are in the consultation, they are not trying to learn everything being said by the doctor or nurse practitioner," says Stacey. PDAs give patients the tools to ask better questions and engage in meaningful discussions about their treatment. This improved communication reduces decisional conflict and patients feel more confident in the choices they make. 

The use of decision aids is also transforming healthcare systems globally. Following the January 2024 update of the Cochrane Review, Brazil is set to integrate PDAs into its national healthcare system. This initiative seeks to shift Brazil's traditionally paternalistic healthcare model—where doctors often hold the primary decision-making power—toward a more patient-centered approach. Juliana Sousa, a project leader, emphasized the project's goal: “We want to empower patients to have a voice in their healthcare decisions, moving away from the provider-dominated approach to one where patient input is valued.” 

The project, currently in its formative stage, involves collaboration between Brazilian healthcare experts, international partners, and the authors of the Cochrane review. The team will test the implementation in primary care settings and home care programs to evaluate its impact on patient-provider communication and healthcare outcomes. Running until 2026, the initiative plans to integrate PDAs into digital healthcare platforms managed by the Ministry of Health, ensuring that decision aids cover a wide range of medical conditions. 

Before the January 2024 Cochrane Review update, several countries had already implemented PDAs into their healthcare systems. In the UK, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) incorporated PDAs into clinical guidelines, promoting their use to improve patient experience and support shared decision-making across various medical fields. Germany has launched large-scale projects, such as the “SHARE TO CARE” initiative, which integrates shared decision-making across healthcare settings with support from health insurers. Similarly, Denmark’s efforts, particularly in the Region of Southern Denmark, involve over 25,000 healthcare professionals across major hospitals like Odense University Hospital. These initiatives are backed by national policies that encourage patient involvement and evidence-based decision-making. 

In Taiwan, the Joint Commission of Taiwan (JCT), under the Ministry of Health and Welfare, has developed a nationwide project focusing on integrating shared decision-making into clinical practice. This project aims to improve communication between healthcare providers and patients, ensuring treatment decisions align with patients' values and preferences. 

These global initiatives highlight the increasing acceptance of PDAs in modern healthcare. However, while the benefits of PDAs are clear, Stacey says there is need for more widespread implementation to ensure their full potential is realized. “Healthcare professionals need to have training in how to involve patients in decision-making and change their approach to how they discuss options with patients," Stacey explains. She added that PDAs work best when healthcare teams—not just individual doctors—are trained to use them effectively. Patients, too, need to be encouraged to take an active role in their healthcare decisions.  

Stacey's message is clear, "Patient decision aids work. But they only work if they are used." The next steps involve ensuring that PDAs are integrated into routine healthcare practices globally, with adequate training for healthcare professionals and increased awareness for patients.   

World Evidence-based Heathcare Day is held on 20 October each year. It is a global initiative that raises awareness of the need for better evidence to inform healthcare policy, practice and decision making in order to improve health outcomes globally. It provides an opportunity to participate in debate about global trends and challenges, but also to celebrate the impact of individuals and organisations worldwide, recognising the work of dedicated researchers, policymakers and health professionals in improving health outcomes.

Cochrane has partnered with JBI, Campbell Collaboration, the Institute for Evidence-Based Healthcare, the Centre for Evidence-based Health Care, the Institute for Development Studies and the Applied Health and Research Unit (AHRU) at the University of Oxford to launch the 2024 campaign for World Evidence-Based Healthcare (EBHC) Day, called ‘Health and Beyond: From Evidence to Action’.

By facilitating dialogue and knowledge-sharing across sectors, World EBHC Day 2024 serves as a global platform to share and access collective knowledge and wisdom for health and beyond, moving from evidence to action, while highlighting that intersectoral collaboration and innovation is pivotal to transformative change.

Cochrane’s Editor-in-Chief, Karla Soares-Wesier, spoke with the campaign partners at the Global Evidence Summit, where she said that:

“Cochrane has long led the way in evidence synthesis, but we recognize we can’t do it alone. Collaboration is essential, and working closely with our partners is key. There is a growing movement to create more opportunities for joint efforts in producing evidence that supports decision-making and ultimately saves lives. To achieve this, we need to be present at the table and ensure our partners—whether from high-income or low- and middle-income settings—are there with us.”

This was at part of the Connected Conversations series, which is a new initiative that aims to provide the global evidence community with a glimpse of people's professional and personal journeys using evidence-based approaches to take action for health and beyond. Cochrane received contributions from Dr Celeste Naude the Director Cochrane Nutrition, Dr Carlotte Kiekens the Co-Director Cochrane Rehabilitation, Dr Ali Akbar Haghdoost the Ex-Director Cochrane Iran, Dr Vignesh Kumar Chandiraseharan from Cochrane India, and Jack Nunn from the Cochrane Consumer Network.

Cochrane World EBHC Day events

Cochrane Croatia hosted a in-person symposium titled Modern Views on Mental Health: Incorporating Evidence-Based Medicine for Effective Health Care. Held at the Faculty of Medicine in Split, it included discussions on better evidence for mental health, supporting mental health in the community, and the use of chatbots in psychiatry, among a wide variety of other topics.

Cochrane Y3 mentees from the Cochrane US Network hosted a free webinar titled 'Beyond a Publication: How Evidence-Based Healthcare Changes Communities.'

Cochrane World EBHC Day blogs

• Including people with lived experience in evidence-informed approaches
• Global health requires embracing planetary health from an early age
• The importance of knowledge translation (and trust) in polycrisis times
• Maternal mortality in Ecuador: more than just a health care problem
• Intersectoral action: Including local economic considerations in health guidelines
• How Cochrane Germany is Advocating for Clinical Trial Transparency through Collaboration

Cochrane World EBHC Day vlogs

World Evidence-Based Healthcare Day 2024 is an opportunity to engage with a global community dedicated to advancing evidence-informed health policies and practices. We invite you to join the conversation, share your insights, and take action for health and beyond.

If you have Cochrane-related events to add to our listing above, please contact Mia Parkinson.

For more information about World EBHC Day 2024 and how you can participate, please contact Mariam Salman or visit the official campaign website: https://worldebhcday.org/