Cochrane Reviews and Evidence‐Based Healthcare

Abstract

Program Description: This miniseminar, taught by leadership from the AAO-HNS and the Cochrane Collaboration, will empower attendees to use Cochrane reviews of interventions as a platform for evidence-based healthcare. Cochrane Reviews are systematic reviews of primary healthcare research on prevention, treatment, rehabilitation, and diagnostic test accuracy. Each review addresses a clearly formulated question; for example: Do perioperative antibiotics improve recovery after tonsillectomy? All the existing primary research on a topic that meets certain criteria is searched for and collated, and then assessed using stringent guidelines, to judge the level of evidence for, or against, a specific intervention. Evidence-based healthcare is the conscientious use of current best evidence, derived ideally from systematic review, in making decisions about the care of individual patients or the delivery of health services. Recognizing the increasing role of evidence-based health care in otolaryngology, the AAO-HNS has partnered with the Cochrane ENT Disorders Group since 2006. This miniseminar is one product of that partnership, along with other efforts to enhance the AAO-HNS journal, annual meeting, research agenda, and quality initiatives. Attendees will learn of these efforts including ways to obtain Academy-sponsored travel grants to the annual meeting of the Cochrane Collaboration. Time is allotted at the end of the session for audience questions to the expert panel. Educational Objectives: 1) Appreciate how systematic review of interventions facilitates evidence-based healthcare. 2) Understand why Cochrane reviews are important to otolaryngologists and their patients. 3) Learn how to read a systematic review, interpret results, and apply findings to patient care.