Here you can find and download a variety of information and support materials to help you develop your protocol. 

What happens when my title has been approved?

You will receive an email from us confirming approval of your proposal for a Cochrane review.  We will prepare a template protocol file for you and let you know when it is ready for you to use.  The file will contain our standard methods text for you to adapt as appropriate.  To access this file and develop your protocol you will need to install RevMan 5 software. 

How do I access my RevMan5 file?

You and your co-authors will need to access ‘Archie’, the Cochrane Collaboration’s central server for managing and storing documents and contact details.  Please click here to request an Archie user account. You should check out the file from within RevMan.   Click here for our Quickstart guide to checking RevMan files in and out of Archie and Top tips for authors using Archie and RevMan 5.  It is important that you read the IMS web page for Cochrane authors where you can keep up to date with author information. 

Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions and the Cochrane Style Guide

Please refer to the Cochrane Handbook which is the official document that describes in details the process of preparing and maintaining Cochrane systematic reviews. Cochrane protocols and reviews should also follow the style described in the Cochrane Style Guide.  The 'Related Resources' sidebar on this page explains how you can find examples of our published protocols and reviews in The Cochrane Library.  If you do not have access to The Cochrane Library please contact f.kellie@liverpool.ac.uk.

Where do I find out about training workshops and other sources of support?

Please register for the appropriate Cochrane training workshops as soon as possible to help you develop your protocol and review.  It is also important that you make contact with the Cochrane Reference Centre in your region to enquire about the support they can offer you as a Cochrane author and to register on training workshops to help you develop your protocol and review.  If you are an author based in the UK or Ireland you can also access the online learning resources for undertaking a systematic review. 

When does my protocol need to be finished?

We will agree a deadline with you for submission of your draft protocol, usually within 6 months of the title being registered.  It is important that you keep in touch with us about the progress you are making on your protocol. If we do not receive your protocol within 12 months we will de-register the title in line with Cochrane Collaboration policy.

Other important resources to download

• Author’s checklist – these are the items that you should check before you electronically submit your protocol for editorial and peer review via Archie.  Your completed checklist should be emailed to Frances Kellie (f.kellie@liverpool.ac.uk) once you check your protocol in for editorial consideration.
• The Editorial Process – this outlines our group’s editorial process. 
• Editor’s checklist – this is the list of points against which the Editor for your protocol will assess the draft that you submit for editorial approval.
• Statistical checklist - this is the list of points against which our statistician will assess your draft protocol when you submit it for editorial approval. 
• PCG Methodological Guidelines – must be read in conjunction with the Cochrane Handbook.

Additional information
PCG-info – our authors are automatically subscribed to the Pregnancy and Childbirth Group’s email list so they can keep up to date with the latest events in our Group.  For details of how to manage the list, or if you feel you would like to be removed from the list please contact Denise Atherton (datherto@liverpool.ac.uk ).
Cochrane Collaboration  - general information about the Cochrane Collaboration.
CCINFO  is an electronic newsletter published by The Canadian Cochrane Network and Centre on behalf of the Cochrane Collaboration.  CCInfo is distributed approximately every two weeks and subscription is free.
Searching for studies - for further information about searching and search methods please contact our Trials Search Co-ordinator, Lynn Hampson (lynnh@liverpool.ac.uk).  Click here for more information about our PCG Trials Register. Chapter 6 of the Cochrane Handbook also give more information on about searching for studies.