Background: This is a core training session from a Cochrane Methods Group. The Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions includes a chapter on equity and specific populations. A Cochrane Interactive Learning module has been developed to accompany this chapter. This workshop aims to introduce all systematic reviewers to equity methods and provide tips for including equity considerations in all reviews. Average results may obscure differences in outcomes across specific populations, who may experience health inequity. Systematic reviews can explore the robustness of findings across specific populations, who may experience health inequity. Equity is defined as the absence of avoidable differences in health outcomes.
Objectives: Participants will understand how to 1) incorporate equity considerations into their systematic reviews and 2) report equity considerations completely and transparently.
Description: Participants will be introduced to the mnemonic “PROGRESS-Plus” and how it can be used to formulate questions and design methods to consider health equity (PROGRESS-Plus: Place of residence, Race/ethnicity/language/culture/language, Occupation, Gender/sex, Religion, Education, Socioeconomic status, Social capital). We will discuss how to consider specific populations such as older adults, migrants, and those who are socioeconomically disadvantaged. We will introduce participants to guidance for reporting equity-focused reviews (PRISMA Equity 2012) and the GRADE Working Group guidance on considering health equity in guideline development. We will discuss the importance of stakeholder engagement in systematic reviews. Participants will work in small groups to discuss hot topics in the consideration of health equity in systematic reviews and how to implement equity assessments in all Cochrane reviews.