Authors' conclusions
Cochrane Interactive Learning: module 8 - reporting the review
| Standard | Rationale and elaboration | Resources | |
| R102 | Conclusions: implications for practice | Mandatory | |
| Provide a general interpretation of the evidence so that it can inform healthcare or policy decisions. Avoid making recommendations for practice. | When formulating implications for practice base conclusions only on findings from the synthesis (quantitative or narrative) of studies included in the review. The conclusions of the review should convey the essence of the synthesis of included studies, without selective reporting of the particular findings on the basis of the result, and without drawing on data that were not systematically compiled and evaluated as part of the review. |
See Handbook Section III.3.6 and Section 15.6.1 |
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| R103 | Conclusions: implications for research | Mandatory | |
| If recommending further research, structure the implications for research to address the nature of evidence required, including population, intervention comparison, outcome, and type of study. | Researchers and research funders are an important user group of Cochrane Reviews. Recommendations for future research should offer constructive guidance on addressing the remaining uncertainties identified by the review. This is particularly important for reviews that identify few or no studies. Include any information about completed or ongoing studies that are likely to address the review question. |