{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: New research questions identified for Cochrane reviews: a cross-sectional study of a specialized register: part one: gynecology.
{Author}: Showell MG;Jani D;Farquhar CM;Jordan VMB;
{Journal}: J Clin Epidemiol
{Volume}: 147
{Issue}: 0
{Year}: Jul 2022
{Factor}: 7.407
{DOI}: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2022.03.020
{Abstract}: OBJECTIVE: The aim of this project was to identify gaps and research waste in the dissemination of gynecology evidence in Cochrane systematic reviews (CSRs).
METHODS: A cross-sectional study of the Cochrane Gynecology and Fertility (CGF) Group's specialized register of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We included trials on benign gynecological conditions, published in 2010 and 2011. These trials were matched, by the condition and treatment, to existing Cochrane reviews. Unmatched trials were analysed to prioritize new review titles.
RESULTS: After exporting 740 trials from the CGF specialized register, we found that 192 (26%) could be included in an existing CSR if it was updated, whereas 230 trials (32%) were not matched to any review title, and from these, we developed 21 new review titles. The topic with the largest number of associated 'unused' trials was 'Plant and herbal extracts for symptoms of menopause'.
CONCLUSIONS: We found that a third of the benign gynecology trials published in 2010 and 2011 had no associated CSR. After identifying new topics from unmatched trials, we developed new CSR titles. This study identified the gaps in the evidence for women with gynecological problems.