Regional Support Units

Regional Support Units were proposed as a means of providing additional infrastructure and support for Cochrane Review Groups and Cochrane Centres in these early stages of the preparation of Cochrane systematic reviews of diagnostic test accuracy. 

At the present time there are very few methodologists with knowledge of  diagnostic test evaluation available to Cochrane review groups. Systematic reviews of diagnostic test accuracy pose different methodological challenges compared to reviews of trials.  Key differences arise in the location of literature, assessing study designs and execution, statistical analysis and interpretation of results, which require expert knowledge not currently available in the majority of Cochrane Review Group editorial teams. 

The aims of the Regional Support Units were to 

  • increase capacity within the Cochrane Review Group editorial teams and 
  • support them with their first systematic reviews of diagnostic test accuracy
  • work with regional Cochrane Centres to develop training materials and build capacity to deliver training to CRGs and to authors. 

UK Support Unit (UKSU) - Not currently convened

Supports Cochrane Review Groups in the UK and Authors of SR DTA registered with UK based CRGs, provides training for UK-based Cochrane Review Groups and UK-based authors and editorial training for CRGs within and outside the UK.


Continental Europe Support Unit (CESU) - Not currently convened

Supported Cochrane Review Groups in Continental Europe and Authors of SR DTA registered with Continental Europe-based Cochrane Review Groups and provided training for Continental Europe-based Cochrane Review Groups and Continental Europe-based authors.  From 1st January 2011 the CESU is no longer convened.

Australasian Support Unit (not yet convened).

American Support Unit (not yet convened).

 

Cochrane DTA Working Group.

The Cochrane DTA Working Group is currently in consultation with the Cochrane Collaboration regarding the structure and functioning of the worldwide editorial and support processes for DTA reviews.