The Cochrane library

In the current era of patients seeking better information, managers seeking cost-effective treatments, clinicians struggling to keep up with the expanding medical literature, and professional groups requiring continuing medical education, there is a clear need for up-to-date and relevant systematic reviews of the effectiveness,of treatment within our specialty. Such reviews will play an increasing role in the education of health professionals and lay people, in the evolution of the health service and in the direction of future research. The Cochrane Collaboration provides the infrastructure for the development and dissemination of these reviews. The specialty of obstetrics and gynaecology will benefit from several related groups already working within the Cochrane Collaboration (Pregnancy and Childbirth, Subfertility, Menstrual Disorders and Incontinence). Other groups are in the process of, or likely to, register in the near future (Fertility Control, Gynaecological Cancer). However, the need and demand for a large number of systematic reviews exceeds the current capacity of those who have committed themselves to prepare and maintain such reviews, and substantial challenges remain. However, there is every reason to believe that a concerted effort over many years will be worth while. Earlier in this commentary, obstetrics and gynaecology was referred to as the specialty most deserving of the 'wooden spoon' for its lack of evidence-based practice. With the development of various gynaecological groups within the Collaboration, we hope that the 'wooden spoon' can be discarded from our ranks for good.