We have tried to list the most frequently asked questions below.  However, if you don't find the answer to your question here, or in another section of our website please send your question to the Acting Managing Editor, Leanne Jones (l.v.jones@liverpool.ac.uk).

Can I do a Cochrane review on my own?

No. Cochrane reviews are produced by teams of two or more authors to ensure that at least two authors independently assess studies for inclusion and extract the data.

Can I add a new co-author to my review team?

Yes.  If you would like to add new co-authors to your review team please complete the 'Invitation to join an existing review team' form and send the completed form to Denise Atherton (datherto@liverpool.ac.uk).

My protocol is in the editorial process, can I make a start on my review now?

During the editorial process the editor may recommend that you make changes to your protocol as a result of referee comments.  For this reason we do not recommend starting work on your review until the final version of your protocol has been approved and released for publication.

I've forgotten my Archie login or password - what do I do now?

Please go to the Archie login page then click on 'Forgot your password?' and follow the instructions.

A study meets the inclusion criteria for my review but does not report on the outcomes I'm interested in, should it be included or excluded?

The study should be included in your review (but will not contribute any data to your review).  Eligibility for trial inclusion should be based on the prespecified criteria (participants, interventions, comparison) from your published protocol.  See section 5.1.2 of the Cochrane Handbook for more information.

How can I provide feedback about a Cochrane review?

Go to the Cochrane Library and find the review you wish to provide feedback about.  In the left-hand window scroll down and click on the phrase 'Submit Feedback'.  This will open a feedback window for you to complete. 

See section 5.1.2 of the Cochrane Handbook for more information. 

What does it mean if a PCG review is flagged as 'withdrawn' in the Cochrane Library?

The withdrawn flag does not mean that the review has been Retracted.  In the past, the PCG used to flag a Cochrane review as  ‘withdrawn’ if it was no longer going to be updated or had been superseded by a new review on the same topic (prepared by a new review team).    Whilst we no longer use the ‘withdrawn’ flag in this way there are around 50 ‘withdrawn’ reviews flagged in the Cochrane Library. 

Should a trial be included in a review if there are reported data of interest to the topic under review but the intervention was not specifically aimed at the main outcome of the review?

Although it is better to be inclusive rather than exclusive, as a general rule, review topics should not be driven by an outcome. The scope of our reviews needs to be demarcated by a focussed description of the intervention. However, there may be reviews where this decision would not be sensible, in which case this will be identified and discussed with the Editor during the title registration stage.