Cochrane does not make clinical recommendations, instead it provides unbiased and high-quality health evidence so that health decisions, policies, and clinical guidelines can be informed by the best available evidence. 'Cochrane in the workplace' series collects stories about how Cochrane evidence is being used in non-clinical settings - by teachers, by guideline makers, and by policy makers. 

User story:

Name: Ellen Koo
Position: Research Coordinator 
Location: Toronto, Canada

"I completed my Masters of Science, Physiology at the University of Toronto.  I have over 6 years of experience working in healthcare research, using both qualitative and quantitative analytic skills.  I have worked on everything from helping to conduct systematic reviews to collecting patient data for clinical studies. My passion for improving patient and caregiver experience has always been an important focus in my work.

I was first exposed to Cochrane Reviews in my graduate training.  Reading a Cochrane Review is helpful to get an overview of the all the available research on one research question and it’s so helpful that the quality of that evidence is clearly graded.  Later as a Research Assistant helping with a systematic review, I learned the important processes that goes into developing a systematic review.  In my current role as a research coordinator, I have access to the Cochrane Library at my host institution.  I look to Cochrane Reviews for identifying research gaps for possible grant proposals and for using it in reports to summarize available evidence.  For me, Cochrane Reviews have always been a trusted source of health evidence.”

Would you like to add your story of using Cochrane evidence? Please contact mumoquit@cochrane.org today.