Part 2: Core methods

This is an archived version. For the current version, please go to training.cochrane.org/handbook/current

Part 2 provides the core methodology for undertaking systematic reviews on the effects of health interventions, with a particular emphasis on reviewing randomized trials. It comprises the following chapters:

  1. Starting a review
  2. Determining the scope and questions
  3. Inclusion criteria and grouping for synthesis
  4. Searching & selecting studies
  5. Collecting data
  6. Effect measures
  7. Bias and conflicts of interest
  8. Risk of bias in randomized trials
  9. Preparing for synthesis
  10. Meta-analyses
  11. Network meta-analyses
  12. Synthesis using other methods
  13. Bias due to missing results
  14. ‘Summary of findings’ tables & GRADE
  15. Interpreting results

For any queries on the Handbook, contact support@cochrane.org