Identifying the gaps, reducing the waste and setting priorities in
Cochrane fertility research: Research article
Abstract
Objective The aim of this project was to identify gaps and research
waste in the dissemination of fertility evidence in the Cochrane
database of systematic reviews (CDSR). Design A research article.
Setting The Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility (CGF) Group’s specialised
register of random controlled trials (RCTs). Sample Infertility trials
contained in the CGF specialised register, published between the years
2010-2011. Methods Infertility trials from the CGF specialised register
were matched, by the specific fertility issue and treatment, to existing
Cochrane reviews. Unmatched trials were categorised to develop and
prioritise new review topics. Main outcome measures Proportions Results
564 trials, published from 2010 to 2011, were exported from the
specialised register and after removing duplicates, 318 trials were
found to be already included in a Cochrane review. 187 (37%) of trials
were found to be unused, however 115 (23%) of these could be included
in an existing CGF SR, if it were updated. 72 trials (14%) were not
matched to any review topic and from these, eight new Cochrane review
titles were developed. The topic with the largest number of associated
‘unused’ trials, was ‘Traditional Chinese Medicine for women undergoing
assisted reproductive techniques’. Conclusions This project was used to
consider unused trials, prioritise new review topics and identify those
reviews that need to be updated, thereby identifying the gaps in
evidence for couples with fertility problems. Keywords research waste,
gaps, fertility, infertility, randomized controlled trials, systematic
reviews, prioritisation.