Business Plan July 2016 to June 2017 Trusted evidence. Informed decisions. Better health.
Business Plan for Cochrane Australia (2016-2017) 2 Cochrane vision Our vision is a world of improved health where decisions about health and health care are informed by high-quality, relevant and up-to-date synthesised research evidence. Cochrane goals Strategy to 2020, Cochrane s strategic plan, is based around achieving four key goals: Goal 1: Producing evidence To produce high-quality, relevant, up-to-date systematic reviews and other synthesised research evidence to inform health decision making. Goal 2: Making our evidence accessible To make Cochrane evidence accessible and useful to everybody, everywhere in the world. Goal 3: Advocating for evidence To make Cochrane the home of evidence to inform health decision making, build greater recognition of our work, and become the leading advocate for evidence-informed health care. Goal 4: Building an effective & sustainable organisation To be a diverse, inclusive and transparent international organisation that effectively harnesses the enthusiasm and skills of our contributors, is guided by our principles, governed accountably, managed efficiently and makes optimal use of its resources.
Business Plan for Cochrane Australia (2016-2017) 3 Mission of Cochrane Australia Cochrane Australia aims to put Cochrane evidence at the heart of health decision-making in Australia. We will do this by supporting Australians to produce high quality, timely and relevant Cochrane Reviews, and by increasing the number of people and organisations in Australia who access and use Cochrane evidence in their health decision-making. Goals of Cochrane Australia The business plan for Cochrane Australia is aligned to Cochrane s Strategy to 2020, and has eight themes organised around three main goals: Goal 1: Producing evidence Theme 1: Training and supporting Cochrane review authors and editors Theme 2: Developing and implementing research synthesis methods Theme 3: Improving review efficiency Goal 2: Advocating for and making our evidence accessible Theme 4: Supporting translation of research into policy and practice Theme 5: Making Cochrane the home of evidence Goal 3: Contributing to an effective and sustainable organisation Theme 6: Providing Australasian coordination Theme 7: Supporting Cochrane in our region Theme 8: Contributing to Cochrane internationally
Business Plan for Cochrane Australia (2016-2017) 4 Goal 1: Producing evidence Cochrane Australia undertakes a significant number of activities in support of the production of high quality systematic reviews and other synthesised research evidence. These activities are in the form of our ongoing program of training and support for Cochrane contributors; the development and implementation of research synthesis methods; and a platform of work to improve the efficiency of review production. Theme 1: Training and supporting Cochrane authors and editors Activity 1.1: Training of review authors and editors 1 Conduct at least four Introduction to writing a Cochrane systematic review workshops 2 Conduct at least one training event on methods for advanced or complex systematic reviews 3 Provide at least one training event for editors of Cochrane groups, aligned with Cochrane s international priorities 4 Ensure that Cochrane training initiatives to support the introduction of new methods and processes are accessible to contributors in this region (e.g. by repeating webinars or disseminating materials) KA, MC, SM KA, SB, MC, JM MC, KA, SM MC, KA, SM Activity 1.2: Support for review authors 1 Explore alternatives to the review completion program to support KA authors 2 Keep up-to-date with new and advanced methods for Cochrane KA, MC, JM reviews (e.g. new risk of bias tool for non-randomised studies), and the training implications for review authors and editorial teams 3 Respond to review authors queries KA Activity 1.3: Integration of Australian training and support with Cochrane Training 1 Integrate the Centre s training program with the new strategy for Cochrane Training, including support for new initiatives (e.g. review methods and processes) 2 Contribute to specific e-learning initiatives (e.g. producing online micro modules) 3 Maintain and update local training materials as necessary, integrating resources developed by Cochrane Training MC, KA KA, MC KA Achievement 1.4: Evaluation of training program
Business Plan for Cochrane Australia (2016-2017) 5 1 Conduct annual evaluation of the Centre s training program, including learning outcomes and review output KA, CM, MC Theme 2: Developing and implementing research synthesis methods Activity 2.1: Develop and advance methods for research synthesis 1 Establish a program of research, primarily by leveraging additional funding, into the development and application of new and advanced JM, SB, MP, SM, SG methods for synthesising research evidence 2 Develop and advance methods relevant to complex reviews JM, SB 3 Develop and advance methods relevant to overviews of systematic reviews JM, SM, SB Activity 2.2: Provide leadership and substantially contribute to Cochrane Methods activities 1 Co-author the Cochrane Handbook chapter on synthesis of results in JM the absence of meta-analysis 2 Co-convene Cochrane Statistical Methods Group JM 3 Co-edit Cochrane Methods JM 4 Provide methods leadership through membership of Cochrane Methods Executive and Cochrane Methods Board JM Theme 3: Improving review efficiency Activity 3.1: Actively and substantially contribute to Project Transform: an initiative to improve review efficiency and author experience, and develop new evidence services 1 Lead and co-ordinate Project Transform, an initiative funded by Cochrane through its Game Changer Initiative 2 Contribute to the development of processes and priorities for Cochrane Production Models (author networks formed to produce and curate suites of related Cochrane reviews and other evidence services) and Cochrane TaskExchange (a peer-to-peer online environment) 3 Contribute to the Cochrane Evidence Pipeline, a project that will semiautomate the triaging of the results of centrally run searches to the relevant Cochrane Review Group, topic area or Cochrane review, and develop Pipeline as a service for groups external to Cochrane 4 Explore additional opportunities to support ongoing research and development in the areas of review efficiency, author experience and new evidence services JE, TT, MM, SM, SG TT, JE, MM, SG, SM SM, JE SG, JE, SM
Business Plan for Cochrane Australia (2016-2017) 6 Goal 2: Advocating for and making our evidence accessible Cochrane Australia works to facilitate the use of evidence in informing healthcare decisions for Australian health professionals, policy makers and consumers. This platform of work includes a range of dissemination, communication and engagement activities with key stakeholder and user groups. Theme 4: Supporting translation of research into policy and practice Activity 4.1: Ensure policy makers, guideline developers and others involved in setting guidance have access to training in how to use the findings of systematic reviews, including training in the application of GRADE 1 Develop resources and conduct training in the application of the SB GRADE framework for summarising and assessing the quality of bodies of evidence 2 Develop resources and conduct training aimed at guideline SB developers on how to apply GRADE criteria to formulating recommendations 3 Explore with the GRADE Working Group the possibility of SB, establishing a GRADE Centre or Network for Australia 4 Expand opportunities to work with policy makers and policy agencies by providing training and knowledge brokerage services to facilitate the use of review findings SB, Activity 4.2: Provide consultation advice to the NHMRC and other government agencies on specific projects or committees 1 Serve on NHMRC Advisory Group on the Synthesis and Translation of Research Evidence (STORE) 2 Respond to requests from NHMRC and other government agencies for provision of consultancy 3 Contribute to planning of annual Research Translation Faculty Symposium as requested by NHMRC 4 Support NHMRC in development of the handbook for guideline developers and other guideline reform activities SG SG, SB, SM SG SG, SB
Business Plan for Cochrane Australia (2016-2017) 7 Theme 5: Making Cochrane the home of evidence Activity 5.1: Implement the communications and engagement strategy to build greater recognition of Cochrane s work and promote Cochrane Australia 1 Implement the communications and engagement strategy for SH, SM, SG Cochrane Australia to disseminate Cochrane evidence and services, and develop the profile of Cochrane Australia as a leading advocate for evidence-informed health care 2 Maintain Cochrane s web presence in Australia, in line with Cochrane SH rebranding activities internationally 3 Develop and co-ordinate Cochrane Australia s social media presence SH 4 Publish Elements, Cochrane Australia s e-newsletter, on a quarterly basis SH Activity 5.2: Develop and implement strategies to maximise usage of the Cochrane Library and other Cochrane evidence, for informing healthcare decisions 1 Work with Cochrane groups in Australia to build partnerships and alliances with organisations to promote and disseminate the Cochrane Library and Cochrane evidence 2 Broker new partnerships and explore opportunities for Cochrane to encourage greater use of Cochrane reviews 3 Implement Cochrane s Knowledge Translation strategy in Australia and explore opportunities to leverage off Cochrane s central infrastructure SH, SM, SG, SB All SG, SH, SM Activity 5.3: Respond to requests from appropriate agencies for commissioned work relevant to producing and using evidence 1 Respond to requests from appropriate agencies for the provision of, SB training or services relevant to the Centre s work plan, where they are supported by additional funds 2 Develop capacity to enable the Centre, and Cochrane Australia more broadly, to be better able to respond to requests for new high value evidence services to key strategic users
Business Plan for Cochrane Australia (2016-2017) 8 Goal 3: Building an effective and sustainable organisation Cochrane Australia plays a key role in Cochrane s ambition to be a diverse, inclusive and efficiently managed international organisation. We undertake a range of activities to support Cochrane nationally, regionally and internationally. Theme 6: Providing Australasian coordination Activity 6.1: Support existing Cochrane groups based in Australasia 1 Consult with Australian Cochrane group leaders to seek input into the Cochrane Australia s work plan and facilitate collaboration 2 Respond to requests from Cochrane groups for support as need arises Activity 6.2: Plan a scientific event for Cochrane contributors and others, including a training event for staff of Australian and New Zealand Cochrane groups 1 Plan a scientific symposium in 2017 (pending renewal of funding) SM, SG, KA, SH Activity 6.3: Fulfil the functions of a Cochrane Centre as required by Cochrane 1 Report annually to Cochrane through its monitoring and registration processes 2 Implement Cochrane s new Structure and Functions proposals and governance reforms SM, SG, MM Activity 6.4: Sustain Cochrane activity in Australia and the region 1 Work with NHMRC to secure funding for Cochrane in Australia beyond June 2017 2 Liaise with NHMRC and other relevant agencies to ensure they are abreast of, and benefit from, Cochrane initiatives and activities 3 Provide opportunities to invest in skills and leadership development to strengthen and sustain Cochrane in Australia
Business Plan for Cochrane Australia (2016-2017) 9 Theme 7: Contributing to regional Cochrane activity Activity 7.1: Support and coordinate Cochrane Australia branches and networks 1 Co-ordinate and strengthen capacity of Cochrane contributors in SM, SG our region through the Centre s existing branches and networks 2 Work towards establishing Cochrane Indonesia SM, SG Activity 7.2: Support our Korean Branch with 2016 Cochrane Colloquium 1 Support Cochrane Korea with the organisation of the 2016 Cochrane Colloquium SM, SG Theme 8: Contributing to Cochrane internationally Activity 8.1: Contribute to Cochrane committees and advisory groups 1 Participate in Centre Director activities, including attendance at biannual meetings of Cochrane Centre Directors 2 Contribute to the development of Cochrane s Knowledge SG Translation strategy 3 Administer annual Chris Silagy Prize SG, CM 4 Contribute to Cochrane working groups and committees as requested All Activity 8.2: Encourage staff to participate in Cochrane review activity 1 Maintain and update Cochrane reviews in which Centre staff are All authors 2 Contribute to the editorial processes of Cochrane groups All
Business Plan for Cochrane Australia (2016-2017) 10 Cochrane Australia staff Co-Directors Professor Sally Green 0.8 Mr Steve McDonald 0.6 Systematic Review Trainers Ms Miranda Cumpston 0.2 Senior Research Fellows Dr Joanne McKenzie 1 Ms Kelly Allen 0.6 Dr Julian Elliott 0.2 Dr Tari Turner 2 0.5 Research Fellows Dr Sue Brennan 0.8 Dr Matthew Page 1 Communications Manager Ms Shauna Hurley 0.7 Administrator Ms Cindy Manukonga 0.5 Business Manager Ms Melissa Murano 0.2 Casual Research Staff Ms Jane Reid Dr Renea Johnston Ms Emma Donoghue 1 Funded by NHMRC Early Career Fellowship 2 Employed on Project Transform (funded by Cochrane)