Straus and Moher call for “a registry of protocols for systematic reviews and of completed reviews.”1 We agree that such a registry would, among other things, help reduce publication bias, promote transparency and enhance collaboration. Following the lead of early registers of published trials and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Clinical Trials, we started building a register of reports of vision science systematic reviews in 2006.2 This has proven to be an invaluable central repository. For example, we have used it to develop methods for which eyes and vision systematic reviews should be done first, to conduct methodological research and to initiate collaborations with guideline developers and professional societies.
We believe the database will have a pivotal role in facilitating the use of systematic review evidence in health care decision-making.
Footnotes
For the full letter go to: www.cmaj.ca/cgi/eletters/182/1/13#324055
REFERENCES
- 1.Straus S, Moher D. Registering systematic reviews. CMAJ. 2010;182:13–4. doi: 10.1503/cmaj.081849. [DOI] [PMC free article] [PubMed] [Google Scholar]
- 2.Li T, Scherer R, Twose C, et al. Identification and characterization of systematic reviews in eyes and vision. 15th Cochrane Colloquium; 2007 Oct 23–27; São Paulo, Brazil. [(accessed 2010 Apr 2)]. Available at: www.imbiuni-freiburg.de/OJS/cca/index.php/cca/article/view/5054. [Google Scholar]