Many thousands of people from around the world contribute to the Cochrane Collaboration as review authors. Review teams, typically comprising clinicians and researchers, come together to address a particular topic by summarising all the available evidence. Authors will have their own motivations for doing a review, for example, to resolve conflicting evidence, to address questions of clinical uncertainty, to explore variations in practice or to highlight a need for further research, but the overarching aim in preparing a review is to help people make well-informed decisions about health care.

As the number of reviews published in The Cochrane Library grows, it can be a challenge to know if a particular topic has already been claimed by another review team. The information below has been prepared to help those interested in becoming Cochrane review authors identify whether a topic is available and to navigate the title registration process.

Please note, this information relates primarily to intervention reviews. Although the Collaboration has recently started publishing reviews of diagnostic test accuracy (DTA), not all Cochrane Review Groups are accepting titles for DTA reviews. Those interested in conducting DTA reviews should contact the relevant Cochrane Review Group direct.

All Cochrane systematic reviews are first registered as titles with a Cochrane Review Group. There are 52 Review Groups that each focus on a particular area of health. Review Groups are coordinated by an editorial team who edit and assemble completed reviews for publication in The Cochrane Library.

To register your interest in undertaking a Cochrane systematic review:

1. Decide on your topic for a review. Typically, this will involve investigating the effects of an intervention (or group of interventions). [For information on systematic reviews of diagnostic test accuracy see here.

2. Ensure your proposed title does not duplicate any work already published or registered with the Cochrane Collaboration
   
   
1. Search The Cochrane Library for any published protocols or reviews related to your topic of interest
2. Search a full list of registered titles, protocols and reviews for each Review Group at http://www2.cochrane.org/reviews/en/topics/index.html

3. Identify the Cochrane Review Group that is most relevant to your topic of interest.

1. Check the Review Group’s website for details of their scope and topics covered or priorities for reviews of importance
2. If you are still unsure which Review Group relates to your topic of interest, search The Cochrane Library for related reviews and refer to the editorial group listed in the byline (located immediately above the Abstract - see example below).
3. If you are still unsure, contact the Australasian Cochrane Centre (cochrane@med.monash.edu.au) for further assistance

4. Identify a team of authors for your review. Cochrane reviews must be undertaken by more than one person. Review teams must include expertise in the topic area being reviewed and include, or have access to, expertise in systematic review methodology (including statistical expertise). First-time review authors are encouraged to work with others who are experienced in the process of systematic reviews and to attend training events [see here for information on training and support available through ACC].

5. All Review Groups have a Title Registration Form that new review teams are required to complete. These forms can be downloaded from the Review Group’s website or by emailing the Review Group.

6. Send your proposal for a review (including your background and a description of what the review will address) to the contact person of the relevant Review Group.

7. Titles for reviews are accepted at the discretion of the Review Group. Authors are required to complete a title registration form. A title will be registered, possibly after discussion among the Review Group editors, and the review authors will be invited to submit a protocol.

Please contact Miranda Cumpston if you have any queries.