Cochrane Library Podcasts
Cochrane produces systematic reviews which are recognized as the highest standard in evidence-based health care resources. Listen to Cochrane review authors explain in plain language the evidence and findings of their high-impact reviews. In 5 minutes or less, healthcare professionals to patients and families can understand the latest trusted evidence to help make better informed decisions.
Care involving families for Indigenous early childhood well-being
The portfolio of reviews from the Cochrane Consumers and Communication Group was added to in December 2022 with a new review of the effects of family‐centred interventions for Indigenous early childhood well‐being delivered by primary healthcare services. We asked lead author, Natalie Strobel from Edith Cowan University in Mount Lawley Australia, to tell us about these interventions and their effects in this podcast.
Can tests for inflammation help doctors decide whether to use antibiotics for airway infections?
Acute respiratory infections are one of the most common reasons for people to present to primary care and decisions about whether or not to prescribe antibiotics might rely on point-of-care tests for inflammation. The relevant Cochrane review was updated in October 2022 and we asked new lead author, Siri Aas Smedemark from Odense University Hospital in Denmark, to tell us more in this podcast.
The relative safety and effectiveness of different epoetin drugs for treating anaemia in people with chronic kidney disease
Many patients with moderate or severe chronic kidney disease will develop anaemia and a variety of treatments are available. In February 2023, the Cochrane Review of studies testing a range of erythropoietin drugs was updated and we asked first author, Edmund Chung from The Children's Hospital at Westmead in Australia to tell us about the latest findings in this podcast.
What are consumers and health providers' views and experiences of working in formal partnerships to plan, deliver and evaluate health services?
There's increasing recognition of the importance of involving patients and the public in decision making about health services and a growing body of relevant research. In March 2023, we published a new qualitative evidence synthesis which brings some of this research together. It used co-production and, in this podcast Rachel Plachcinski, an independent Parent, Patient and Public Involvement Consultant and member of Cochrane's Consumer Network Executive, speaks with two of the authors, Bronwen Merner and Rebecca Ryan, from La Trobe …
Aromatase inhibitors for infertility treatment in women with polycystic ovary syndrome
The Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility Group has prepared more than 220 reviews and, in September 2022, a team from Germany, The Netherlands and New Zealand updated one of these, looking at the use of a drug called letrozole for subfertile women with anovulatory polycystic ovary syndrome. Lead author, Sebastian Franik from the University of Münster in Germany describes the latest findings in this podcast.
Can cognitive stimulation benefit people with dementia?
Dementia is a rising concern for patients, families and health services around the world; highlighting the need to find ways to alleviate its impact. The Cochrane Review of cognitive stimulation to improve cognitive functioning in people with dementia was updated in January 2023 and we asked lead author, Bob Woods from Bangor University in Wales, to let us know about the importance of the review and the latest findings.
Do mobility strategies improve and restore mobility after hip fracture surgery in adults?
Hip fracture is an increasingly important health problem and many people experience lasting impacts on their mobility and physical function after breaking their hip. An updated Cochrane review of interventions for improving mobility after hip fractures was published in September 2022 by researchers in Australia. In this podcast, Venisa Wing Kwok speaks with one of the authors, Nicola Fairhall both from the Institute for Musculoskeletal Health in the University of Sydney about the findings.
What are the benefits and risks of medication reviews for hospitalised adults?
Several strategies are used to monitor and optimise the use of drugs for hospitalised patients and the Cochrane review of medication review was updated in January 2023. In this podcast, one of the group’s researchers, Mikkel Christensen, talks with lead author Cille Bülow, both from Copenhagen University Hospital in Denmark, about their latest findings.
House modifications for preventing malaria
Cochrane Infectious Diseases has produced dozens of reviews on the prevention and treatment of malaria. These include interventions, such as drugs, taken by people, as well as some at the level of the environment. One of these looks at house modifications for preventing malaria and we asked lead author, Tilly Fox from the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine in the UK to tell us about the importance of the October 2022 update and its findings.
Which is the best treatment for heavy menstrual bleeding?
In May 2022, Cochrane published the first version of an overview and network meta-analysis of interventions for heavy menstrual bleeding, which can affect 20% to 50% of people who menstruate during their reproductive years. There are a variety of treatments available, each with its pros and cons, and the best treatment is likely to depend on several factors, including age, desire to have children, personal preferences and medical history.