To cite references in long-format reviews
This table provides guidance on inserting references in the text in long-format Cochrane reviews. The study and reference IDs must be linked to the reference list.
| Guidance | Correct | Incorrect |
| Separate multiple citations with a semicolon. | (Caster 2023; Robb 2024) | (Caster 2023, Robb 2024) |
List multiple citations in alphabetical order. RevMan can reorder citations alphabetically via the Link function. | Alphabetical: (Bakri 2005a; Bakri 2005b; Davis 2003; Slinn 2011) | Chronological: (Davis 2003; Bakri 2005a; Bakri 2005b; Slinn 2011) |
| No ‘and’ before the final citation | (Brown 2021; Omari 2015; Preston 2018; Wu 2011) | (Brown 2021; Omari 2015; Preston 2018; and Wu 2011) |
Citations can be used as part of a sentence or placed in round brackets within the closest punctuation. Note: see below for single sentences containing multiple pieces of information | The study was successful (Robeson 1990). | The study was successful [Robeson 1990]. |
| The study was successful (Griffin 1990); it confirmed previous findings (Howes 1995). | The study (Griffin 1990) was successful; it confirmed previous findings (Howes 1995). | |
| Williams 1991 reports the full details. | (Williams 1991) reports the full details. | |
| Sentences that include multiple pieces of information supported by a number of citations should be structured so that it is clear to which piece of information each citation refers. | Smith 1990 included children only, while Jones 1999 included adults only. or: One trial included children only (Smith 1990), while another included adults only (Jones 1999). | One trial (Smith 1990) included children only, while another (Jones 1999) included adults only. |
| Rephrase to avoid using 'et al.' in the text. | Wade and colleagues wrote that... The Wade study mentions… | Wade et al. wrote that… |