We need trusted, up-to-date guidelines to stimulate clinicians to change their practice and provide patients with the best care. This is vital in a world where mistrust has become the norm, from anything to the news, body image or fake science.  Credible guidelines must be independent, based on reliable information and – critically and demonstrably – in line with the latest research. 

Turning this vision into reality is not straightforward.  Timelines for identifying new research, evaluating data, reviewing and amending guideline recommendations typically stretch from months into years.  A new collaboration, the Global Alliance of Living Evidence (GALE), is attempting to demonstrate how this can be done, drawing on recent successes during the pandemic.

This Special Session will provide an opportunity to hear from leaders in the field and to use live voting to track audience opinions.  The session will explore the potential for new technologies such as artificial intelligence to support the process, and to consider what this means for future Cochrane Reviews.

Target audience: Anyone with an interest in living systematic reviews, in particular those keen to collaborate with others to develop the approach and share ideas. 

Format: There will be some initial presentations followed by a group discussion to explore challenges and identify potential solutions.