Experiences of Using Cochrane Systematic Reviews by Local HTA Units

Area of Science:

• Health Services Research
• Evidence-Based Practice
• Health Technology Assessment

Background:

• Cochrane systematic reviews (CSRs) are valuable resources for healthcare decision-making.
• Local health technology assessment (HTA) units play a crucial role in hospital efficiency.
• Understanding the utilization of CSRs in local HTA is essential for optimizing evidence-informed practice.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the use of CSRs by Quebec's local HTA units.
• To identify facilitators and barriers to implementing CSR evidence in hospital decision-making.
• To gather suggestions for improving the application of CSRs in local HTA.

Main Methods:

• An online survey was administered to Quebec's local HTA units.
• The survey examined HTA unit characteristics, knowledge of Cochrane resources, satisfaction with CSRs, and implementation factors.
• Data accuracy was ensured through evaluation by two independent reviewers.

Main Results:

• Ten HTA units participated, with 49.8% of their 321 published reports including a CSR.
• Cochrane Collaboration resources were well-known, and satisfaction with CSRs was high (80%-100%).
• Strengths included use for search terms and reducing workload, while weaknesses involved limited availability, difficulty in local application, and narrow focus (efficacy/innocuity).

Conclusions:

• CSRs are highly valued and known by local HTA units, serving as useful supplementary resources.
• The primary limitation for CSRs in local HTA is the lack of contextualization.
• Integrating experimental data with contextual data is crucial for decision-making adapted to local hospital issues.