Trying to make sense of medical research terminology can sometimes feel like decoding a secret language.
While Cochrane authors do a great job when writing plain language summaries for their reviews, we recognize that curiosity about certain terms and practices in Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) may not be totally satisfied.
That is why we have created these informational cards, aimed at empowering health consumers with a deeper understanding, ensuring that everyone can engage with healthcare information more confidently.
If you want to know more, go to Cochrane Evidence Essential, Cochrane's comprehensive free online resources offering an introduction to health evidence.
A Core Outcome Set (COS) in research refers to a standardized list of outcomes that that researchers should measure and report in all studies about a specific condition or treatment.
This helps ensure that research results are consistent and meaningful for patients, health professionals, and any other involved in the health decision-making process.
- Check out our info cards: Core Outcome Set
- What to know more? Here's the COMET Initiative website.
Evidence-Based Medicine (EBM) embodies the seamless integration of clinical judgment, relevant scientific evidence, and respect for patients' values and preferences. Imagine your healthcare tailored with precision, combining the practitioner's experience, the latest research findings, and your unique preferences for a personalized treatment approach.
- Check out our info cards: Evidence Based Medicine
Network Meta-analysis (NMAs) enable a comprehensive comparison of various therapeutic options, focusing on their relative efficacy and safety.
By synthesizing data from different studies, NMAs empower clinicians and policymakers with valuable insights for informed decision-making. However, to achieve this level of evidence, doing a NMA requires some assumptions to be satisfied, and a lot of effort and resources.
- Check out our info cards: Network Meta-analysis
- To see a practical example of how to write an NMA in the field of MS: Immunomodulators and immunosuppressants for relapsing‐remitting multiple sclerosis: a network meta‐analysis
Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) are the gold standard in medical research, providing crucial insights into the effectiveness and safety of new treatments. Their design helps eliminate bias and ensures that any observed effects are due to the treatment itself rather than other factors, like context or individual differences.
RCTs play a vital role in advancing medical knowledge, guiding clinical practice, and ultimately improving patient outcomes.
- Check out our info cards: Randomized Controlled Trials
Developing a Research Priority Setting (RPS) involves identifying which areas of research are most important for improving our understanding of a disease or condition. Experts, patients, and other stakeholders work together to identify these priorities based on what is most urgently needed.
There is no clear definition of RPS, and its purpose can vary a lot. Overall, RPSs efforts are fundamental to reduce research waste.
- Check out our info cards: Research Priority Settings
- Our most recent publication on the issue: Priority Setting in MS - a worldwide project