The Chicago Satellite of the Cochrane Heart Group will close in September 2017. The Satellite launched in 2013 with a mission to 1) support existing US-based authors to prepare and update their Cochrane reviews; 2) train and support a cadre of new review authors in the methods of the Cochrane Collaboration in collaboration with the US Cochrane to increase the output of the CHG; and 3) advocate evidence-based practice, particularly via utilization of Cochrane reviews, for cardiovascular clinical practice guidelines in the US and worldwide.
Over the past four years, the Satellite has supported 23 US based authors, contributing as authors or contact editors to publication of 24 Cochrane Reviews. The Satellite and its author teams have completed 10 systematic and policy reviews and updated on a wide range of topics, including statins, cardiac rehabilitation, polypills, risk scores, atrial fibrillation surgery, implantable defibrillators, pre-hospital systems of care, primary cardiovascular disease prevention, and automation in systematic reviews. Our US-based authors have further contributed as peer reviewers to many more. The Satellite supported 9 US based authors to attend the US Cochrane Center’s Workshop on Developing a Cochrane Systematic Review. In addition to author support, the Satellite supported the Cochrane Heart Group editorial team by conducting trial searches for 10 reviews and managing publication of 12 Cochrane reviews with global author teams.
The Satellite has been active in the promotion of Cochrane reviews to guide evidence-based practice. Through collaboration with Heart, the Satellite has facilitated publication of 11 Cochrane Corners. The Satellite has also facilitated the publication of 4 clinical evidence synopses in JAMA and JAMA Cardiology. The Satellite team also contributed to the development of the American Heart Association/American College of Cardiology Million Hearts Longitudinal Risk Calculator through an overview of systematic reviews with support from the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Innovation. This tool is being tested in a large randomized trial of physician incentives to lower cardiovascular disease risk among US practices. The Satellite team also received support from the European Society of Cardiology to synthesize evidence on trials of concomitant atrial fibrillation surgery to directly inform the Society’s 2016 atrial fibrillation guidelines.
We have greatly enjoyed supporting and working with our London colleagues over the past four years, and look forward to continuing to contribute to the Cochrane Heart Group as authors, editors and reviewers.