Affiliates in Cochrane’s new network of US institutions recognized for promoting evidence-based health care and public health
Philadelphia, June 4, 2019 – Cochrane, a global leader and resource in evidence-informed health decision-making, has named the American College of Physicians (ACP) to its new Cochrane US Network that consists of some of the country’s leading institutions in the research and practice of evidence-based medicine.
“Cochrane’s work represents a gold standard for high quality, trusted information, and the American College of Physicians is honored to be named a Cochrane Affiliate,” said ACP President Robert M. McLean, MD, FACP. “ACP earned this designation by using a rigorous, evidence-based methodology to develop our clinical guidelines and by promoting the use of systematic reviews.”
ACP is the only physician membership organization named to the Network. Amir Qaseem, MD, FACP, PhD, ACP's Vice President of Clinical Policy, will serve as the Director of the Cochrane US Network. ACP initiated its guideline development program in 1981 and was one of the first organizations in the US to develop evidence-based clinical guidelines.
“ACP's goal has always been to provide physicians with recommendations based on the best available evidence to help them deliver the best possible health care to their patients,” Dr. Qaseem said. “I have worked closely with Cochrane since I joined ACP in 2003 and look forward to continuing this fruitful relationship for evidence-based medicine as part of the Cochrane US Network.”
Joining Cochrane’s 70 existing geographic groups around the world, the Cochrane US Network will promote evidence-informed decision making in health care in the US by supporting and training systematic review authors and users of Cochrane Reviews, as well as working with clinicians, professional associations, policymakers, patients, and the media to encourage the dissemination and use of Cochrane evidence.
Collectively, the Cochrane US Network will focus on producing high-quality evidence on priority topics for the US; providing training to systematic review authors and health care practitioners, policymakers, and others in interpretation of Cochrane Reviews; as well as raising general awareness of the Cochrane evidence available to make well-informed health and health care decisions.
The Cochrane US Network is part of Cochrane, a global independent network of researchers, professionals, patients, and people interested in health. Cochrane produces reviews that study all of the best available evidence generated through research and make it easier to inform decisions about health.
Cochrane is a not-for profit organization with over 65,000 members and supporters from more than 130 countries working together to produce credible, accessible health information that is free from commercial sponsorship and other conflicts of interest. Cochrane’s work is recognized as representing an international gold standard for high-quality, trusted information.
About the American College of Physicians
The American College of Physicians is the largest medical specialty organization in the United States with members in more than 145 countries worldwide. ACP membership includes 154,000 internal medicine physicians (internists), related subspecialists, and medical students. Internal medicine physicians are specialists who apply scientific knowledge and clinical expertise to the diagnosis, treatment, and compassionate care of adults across the spectrum from health to complex illness. Follow ACP on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram.