The Cochrane Library

Browse and search Cochrane review abstracts and plain language summaries.

The Cochrane Library contains all Cochrane reviews and six other databases of research evidence:
     •  The Cochrane Database of Systematic and Methodology Reviews
     •  The Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects
     •  The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL)
     •  The Cochrane Methodology Register
     •  The NHS Economic Evaluation Database
     •  Health Technology Assessment Database 

What is a Cochrane review?

Cochrane reviews are the main product of The Cochrane Collaboration. They are considered the 'gold standard' of systematic reviews. Cochrane reviews are:
     •  An independent source of research
     •  Syntheses of existing research evidence in response to a specific question
     •  An efficient way to determine what is known on a topic
     •  Less biased than a single study
     •  Based on rigorous, transparent methodology
     •  Accessible to everyone through abstracts and plain language summaries
     •  Updated on a regular basis

Learn more about systematic reviews.

How to use The Cochrane Library

Here are some useful links to learn how to make the best use of the resources available in The Cochrane Library:

1. Demonstrations of The Cochrane Library are available at: www.interscience.wiley.com/tutorials
2. Online Instructor led training for The Cochrane Library at: https://wiley.webex.com
3. Online Demos for The Cochrane Library at: http://interscience.wiley.com/training (Now available French & German language introductions to The Cochrane Library
4. User Manuals on The Cochrane Library at: www.thecochranelibrary.com under Help

Access to The Cochrane Library in Canada

• Saskatchewan, at any public library and through the public library website from home
• New Brunswick, at any public library and through the public library website from home
• Nova Scotia clinicians have province-wide access
• The Canadian Dental Association members, through the CDA website
• The Canadian Nurses Association members, through the NurseOne portal
• The Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists' members, through the CAOT website
• Health care providers and students who are at an Academic Health Science Centre

Not all Canadians have access to the full Cochrane Library. Join our petition for funding for a national license to The Cochrane Library.