Cochrane Collaboration

An international nonprofit organization that systematically reviews the effects of health care interventions, including mental health interventions. There are groups that review studies on Drug and Alcohol disorders; Schizophrenia; Dementia and Cognitive Improvements; Anxiety, Depression, and Neurosis; Development, Psychosocial, and Learning problems. Studies reviewed are generally limited to randomized controlled designs. Abstracts of Cochrane Reviews are available free via the online Cochrane Library.

Protocols developed by the Cochrane Collaboration are used by the Agency for Health Care Research and Quality, which funds Evidence-Based Practice Centers to review the scientific literature and produce evidence reports and technology assessments on topics relevant to clinical, social science/behavioral, economic, and other health care organization and delivery issues. The centers also conduct research on methodologies and the effectiveness of their implementation, and provide technical assistance in translating the reports and assessments into quality improvement tools and in helping to inform coverage policies.