Cochrane has launched a new online learning module on systematic reviews of prognosis studies. The module is intended for researchers and clinicians with an interest in reading a systematic review of prognosis studies or as an introductory course for researchers planning to perform one. It includes activities and examples to accompany learning on what a prognosis study is and the different stages of conducting a systematic review of prognosis studies. The module also provides ways to check your knowledge, as well as other useful resources about this topic.

The module was developed by the Cochrane Prognosis Methods Group in collaboration with the Learning Team in Cochrane’s People Services Department.  Anneke Damen, Lotty Hooft and Carl Moons (Cochrane Netherlands, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, The Netherlands) wrote the module based on developments from the Prognosis Methods Group (part funded by the Cochrane Strategic Methods Fund). The Prognosis Methods Group also offer numerous additional prognosis review courses, including generic and advanced courses.

After completing the module, participants will be able to describe the difference between different types of primary prognosis studies, formulate a PICOTS (Population, Intervention, Comparison, Outcome, Timing and Setting) and systematic review question, know how to find available search filters and tools for data-extraction and risk of bias, understand the interpretation of the relevant effect measures in primary prognosis studies, and be aware of the templates developed for reporting systematic reviews of prognosis studies. This list of research that informs the learning is also available via the Prognosis Methods Group.

Anneke Damen, Assistant Professor and module author, said: “We are delighted to see the guidance and tools we’ve developed embedded within this learning module. Its interactive features will help researchers and authors understand what a systematic review of prognosis studies is, and why they are so important.”

Karla Soares-Weiser, Editor-in-Chief of the Cochrane Library, and Acting-CEO of Cochrane said: “Cochrane understands the importance of systematic reviews of prognosis studies in promoting evidence-informed health decision-making and we are pleased to present this new module. So far, Cochrane has published 23 Prognosis Reviews and Protocols and we hope this module will help authors and the broader community to learn more about systematic reviews of prognosis studies”.

The systematic reviews of prognosis studies module is freely available on the Cochrane Training website; you will need to create a Cochrane account to access it if you do not already have one.

• Explore the systematic reviews of prognosis studies learning module today.
• Visit the Cochrane Prognosis Methods Group website.