Cochrane Rehabilitation Newsletter Issue 68

Trusted evidence. Informed decisions. Better health.

Issue 68 | December 2023

Happy 7th birthday Cochrane Rehabilitation!

In recent years, the field of rehabilitation has made significant strides in addressing the impact of health conditions on individuals’ daily lives. At Cochrane Rehabilitation, we are committed to advancing this progress by connecting Cochrane’s evidence and methods with the diverse needs of rehabilitation stakeholders worldwide.

The pressing global demand for rehabilitation services is highlighted by an estimated 2.41 billion people requiring rehabilitation at various stages in their lives. Addressing the challenge involves closing the gap between valuable scientific and clinical research on rehabilitation and its practical implementation in practice and policy.

The recent resolution on ‘Strengthening rehabilitation in health systems‘ adopted by the World Health Assembly emphasizes the need to support societal health goals related to rehabilitation and in particular to promote high-quality rehabilitation research, including health policy and systems research.

Since 2016, Cochrane Rehabilitation has served as a crucial bridge in this endeavor. Our mission is to improve rehabilitation evidence’s production, synthesis, dissemination, implementation, and impact at various levels. By connecting Cochrane’s evidence and methods with the priorities, needs, and specificities of rehabilitation stakeholders, we strive to create a world where all clinical decisions in rehabilitation are based on the best available evidence.

Cochrane Rehabilitation has reached its seventh year of activity, and several set objectives have been achieved during these years. Our goals encompass:

· creating a global rehabilitation network through partnerships with scientific societies and relevant organisations, and also working with volunteers on disseminating evidence;

· disseminating Cochrane reviews relevant to rehabilitation, increasing knowledge and skills in evidence-based clinical practice;

· improving the methodology of evidence production – with the organization of the Methodological meetings and relevant papers production;

· developing specific strategies focusing on the priorities and needs of Low and Middle-Income Countries, ensuring a more inclusive and impactful approach.

In alignment with our commitment to advocacy, Cochrane Rehabilitation actively participates in the World Rehabilitation Alliance, as a member of the research workstream and the workforce, advocating for the demand and utilization of high-quality evidence, and disseminating this evidence for the benefit of all.

Together, let’s continue to strengthen rehabilitation research, evidence, and advocacy, combining the global efforts of all who want to make this possible. We can make strides towards a world where rehabilitation is universally accessible, ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all.

Cochrane Corners

The following Cochrane Corners were published recently:

Sonel Tur B, Evcik D. Are conservative interventions effective for treating urinary incontinence in women? A Cochrane Review summary with commentary. Turk J Phys Med Rehabil. 2023;69(4):541-4. Full text link

Moretti A. What is the role of antidepressants for patients with hip and knee osteoarthritis? A Cochrane Review summary with commentary. Int J Rheum Dis. 2023;26(12):2551-4. Pubmed link – Full text link

We’d like to take a moment to thank our funders, the organizations, and the societies with which we have a partnership, the advisory board and advisory committee, the journals, the headquarters, the collaborators, the global community of volunteers that constantly help us and who are reading this and continue to support our work. Without all of you, none of this would be a reality. Your contribution and enthusiasm make it possible for us to passionately continue our mission.

Thank you!