What is Cochrane?
Cochrane focuses on producing relevant and timely synthesized evidence and is a global advocate for evidence-informed health and health care. We work towards a world of improved health where decisions about health and health care are informed by high-quality, relevant and up-to-date synthesized research evidence. Our members and supporters come from more than 130 countries, worldwide.
What is Cochrane Convenes?
Cochrane Convenes is an online event hosted by Cochrane, co-sponsored by WHO, and co-organised with COVID-END (COVID-19 Evidence Network to support Decision-making). Drawing on experiences of the COVID-19 pandemic, the inaugural Cochrane Convenes brought together leaders from across the world to explore and then recommend the changes needed in evidence synthesis to better prepare for and respond to future global health emergencies. An international Advisory Group and Steering Group supported the meeting.
What did we do?
The event was organized into a series of invitation-only thematic roundtables (on October 5 and 6, 2021) and a public plenary session (October 14, 2021). The participants discussed lessons learnt from the evidence synthesis response to COVID-19, including the communication of uncertain and rapidly changing evidence, the engagement with users to support evidence-informed decision making, and the need for political buy-in to research. The open plenary session featured high-level keynote presentations, alongside an interactive panel session discussing the key lessons and recommendations from the roundtables.
What would we like to see happen?
We created an environment for collaboration, the sharing of experiences, and innovative ideas. Cochrane Convenes is the start of a conversation with leaders about what we need to do to improve the evidence response to future global health emergencies. We hope you take the time to read the full report and view the calls to action. Recommendations resulting from the meeting will be used to advocate for an improved evidence response and discussions with researchers, policy-makers, funders and others to strengthen our collective preparedness. It will also inform Cochrane’s own future strategy. You can show your support via social media and through your network.