The Cochrane Skin Group: a vanguard for developing and promoting evidence-based dermatology
Anand Reddi1, Laura Prescott, Elizabeth Doney
1Department of Dermatology, University of Colorado School of Medicine, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA.
Journal of Evidence-Based Medicine
|December 12, 2013
Summary
The Cochrane Skin Group (CSG) provides high-quality, evidence-based summaries for skin disease prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Their reviews significantly impact clinical practice guidelines and drive new dermatological research.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Evidence-based medicine
- Systematic reviews
Background:
- The Cochrane Skin Group (CSG) is part of the international Cochrane Collaboration.
- CSG focuses on preparing, maintaining, and disseminating high-quality evidence-based summaries for skin diseases.
- This work supports the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of dermatological conditions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To present a synopsis of the history, scope, and priorities of the CSG.
- To report outcomes of CSG reviews.
- To critically assess the clinical value of CSG reviews.
Main Methods:
- A descriptive analysis of systematic reviews published by the CSG since its inception.
- Evaluation of review output, impact factor, methodological studies, and influence on clinical guidelines.
- Assessment of patient and public engagement and the triggering of new primary research.
Main Results:
- Since 1997, CSG has published 61 reviews, 34 protocols, and 31 registered titles.
- Reviews cover 1000 skin diseases, with 80% focusing on the top ten diagnoses.
- 40% of reviews offer clear clinical guidance; impact factor was 6.1 in 2011, comparable to top dermatology journals.
Conclusions:
- The CSG is a leader in evidence-based dermatology, fostering a community focused on applying evidence to patient care.
- CSG reviews are high-impact, clinically relevant, and have influenced international dermatology guidelines and research.
- Reviews have identified evidence gaps, stimulating further primary research in dermatology.
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