31/05/2017

Since 2010, a team at the Department for evidence-Based Medicine and Clinical Epidemology at Danube University Krems has been working to advocate scientifically founded decisions in the health system. Now, in recognition for these achievements, Cochrane Austria has been admitted to the worldwide circle of 17 Cochrane Centers and thus has reached the maximum expansion stage for regional representation.

Currently more than 37,000 health experts from 130 countries around the world are working to provide independent, sponsor-free, scientifically reliable information to health system agents. By creating overviews of medical research results, Cochrane (a non-profit organization founded in Oxford in 1993) aims to improve quality in the health system by means of evidence-based decisions.

Circulating solid information

Since Univ. Prof. Dr. Gerald Gartlehner, MPH, Head of the Department for evidence-Based Medicine and Clinical Epidemiology, established a Cochrane branch at Danube University Krems in 2010, he and his team have been actively promoting evidence-based medicine in Austria. Their activities include an internet platform www.medizin-transparent.at, a blog www.wissenwaswirkt.org, a doctors’ information center www.ebminfo.at as well as workshops, lectures and specialized events. With these and other projects, Cochrane Austria has contributed greatly towards disseminating solid health information in both public and professional spheres for years.

Intensifying activities

Finally, Gartlehner and his team have been rewarded with worldwide recognition for their efforts. Cochrane Austria has been promoted to a full-fledged, independent center and thus the maximum expansion stage of regional representation. “Our work has been greatly rewarded. By achieving the status as a center, we will have even more opportunities to intensify our activities in Austria” says Gartlehner, Director of Cochrane Austria, whose plan is to continue to promote evidence-based medicine in Austria.

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