Update Proposal Form

Update Proposal Form

Please complete this form to outline your proposal for updating a Cochrane systematic review. Although we cannot publish a new protocol for existing reviews, we believe it is important to have an agreed protocol for updates of reviews when methods or the focus of the review have changed. It is also important to know why an update is needed. Completion of this form does not assure that the update will be allowed to proceed through the Heart Group editorial process, but the editors will use this form to identify priority updates that will meet Cochrane editorial standards. This form will also be helpful in completing the “what’s new” and “differences between protocol and review” sections of your updated review. Email the completed form to .

Before completing this form:

All authors must follow the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions (http://handbook.cochrane.org/) and the Methodological Expectations of Cochrane Intervention Reviews (MECIR, http://editorial-unit.cochrane.org/mecir). Read “Managing expectations: what does The Cochrane Collaboration expect of authors, and what can authors expect of The Cochrane Collaboration?” (http://www.cochrane.org/editorial-and-publishing-policy-resource/managing-expectations)
Review Number and Title
Review Number:
Review Title:
Contact person and Author Team (see Handbook Chapter 4.2.3)
An author information form must be submitted for the contact person and each co-author.
Contact Person:
Number of Co-Authors:

Motivation for updating the review

Why is an update of this review necessary? For each box checked, please describe below and provide evidence.
known new studies likely to change conclusions of the review
evidence of ongoing uncertainty and potential that new evidence will change practice
up-to-date methods might change previous conclusions
commissioned by guideline/prioritised by guideline maker
substantial change in scope
required for new funding proposal

Authors’ responsibilities

By completing this form, you accept responsibility for preparing, maintaining and updating the review in accordance with Cochrane Collaboration policy. The Cochrane Review Group (CRG) will provide as much support as possible to assist with the preparation of the review.
The submission of the draft review update is expected within 6 months of the date of search. If drafts are not submitted by the agreed deadlines, or if we are unable to contact you for an extended period, the CRG has the right to deregister the title or transfer the title to alternative authors. The CRG has the right to deregister or transfer the title if it does not meet the standards of the Heart Group and/or Cochrane.
You accept responsibility for maintaining the review in light of new evidence, comments and criticisms, and other developments, and updating the review at least once every two years, or, if requested, transferring responsibility for maintaining the review to others as agreed with the Heart Group.
Proposed Changes to Content or Methods (see Handbook chapter 5)
Please state and provide reasons for any changes you propose.
Title
Background
Objective
Methods: Types of studies
Methods: Participants/population
Methods: Intervention
Methods: Comparison
Methods: Outcomes and Adverse Effects – REQUIRED to re-identify primary and secondary outcomes
Search Methods
Analysis: Data extraction and Management
Analysis: Assessment of Risk of Bias – REQUIRED according to Cochrane Handbook for all included studies, including previously included studies (may require re-assessment)
Analysis: Summary of Findings Tables – REQUIRED in the final text for all updates
Analysis: GRADE – REQUIRED in the final text for all updates
Analysis: Measures of Treatment Effect
Analysis: Unit of Analysis Issues
Analysis: Missing Data
Analysis: Assessment of Heterogeneity
Analysis: Reporting Biases
Analysis: Data Synthesis
Analysis: Subgroup Analysis
Analysis: Sensitivity Analysis

Publication in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews

By completing this form you undertake to publish this review in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews before publishing elsewhere (concurrent publication in other journals may be allowed in certain circumstances with prior permission from the Heart Group).
I understand the commitment required to undertake a Cochrane review, and agree to publish first in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
Signed on behalf of the authors:
Form completed by: / Date:

Declaration of interest

The Cochrane Collaboration’s general policy states, “The performance of the review must be free of any real or perceived bias introduced by receipt of any benefit in cash or kind, any hospitality, or any subsidy derived from any source that may have or be perceived to have an interest in the outcome of the review.” (see more on conflicts of interest).
Do the authors have any potential conflict of interest? Yes No
If yes, please describe:

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