Evaluating the effectiveness of public health interventions: the role and activities of the Cochrane Collaboration
- 1School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia
- 2Cochrane Health Promotion and Public Health Field, Deakin University
- 3Cochrane Health Promotion and Public Health Field, Deakin University
- 4Cochrane Health Promotion and Public Health Field, Murdoch Childrens Research Institute, Australia
- 5Cochrane Health Promotion and Public Health Field, University of London, UK
- Correspondence to: Professor E Waters School of Health and Social Development, Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences, Deakin University, Burwood, Victoria, Australia 3125; Elizabeth.waters{at}deakin.edu.au
- Accepted 14 November 2004
Abstract
Public health decision makers, funders, practitioners, and the public are increasingly interested in the evidence that underpins public health decision making. Decisions in public health cover a vast range of activities. With the ever increasing global volume of primary research, knowledge and changes in thinking and approaches, quality systematic reviews of all the available research that is relevant to a particular practice or policy decision are an efficient way to synthesise and utilise research efforts. The Cochrane Collaboration includes an organised entity that aims to increase the quality and quantity of public health systematic reviews, through a range of activities. This paper aims to provide a glossary of the terms and activities related to public health and the Cochrane Collaboration.
Footnotes
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Conflicts of interest: none.
