Cochrane Library

Cochrane Library is a collection of databases in medicine and other healthcare specialties provided by Cochrane and other organizations. At its core is the collection of Cochrane Reviews, a database of systematic reviews and meta-analyses which summarize and interpret the results of medical research. The Cochrane Library aims to make the results of well-conducted controlled trials readily available and is a key resource in evidence-based medicine.

Overview

The Cochrane Library is owned and produced by Cochrane, a global, independent network of researchers, professionals, patients, carers, and people interested in health. Cochrane's work is recognized as the international gold standard for high quality, trusted information. Its major product is the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews which is published monthly.

Content

The Cochrane Library consists of the following databases:

• The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR)
• The Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects (DARE)
• The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL)
• The Cochrane Methodology Register (CMR)
• Health Technology Assessment Database (HTA)
• NHS Economic Evaluation Database (EED)

Access

The Cochrane Library is accessible in over 130 countries, thanks to national and regional licenses, and is free for anyone in countries with low incomes. Cochrane has a policy that the new reviews and updates should be available freely where the access to the internet is low.

See also

• Evidence-based medicine
• Systematic review
• Meta-analysis
• Cochrane (organisation)