The Cochrane Library is made up of six databases containing high-quality, independent evidence to assist people in making informed decisions. A further databank offers information about the various Cochrane groups.
Databases
A complete overview of the contents of the Cochrane Library can be found here.
Two important databases are:
- Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (CDSR): Cochrane Reviews are published as full text in this database. The scientific abstracts (summaries) and plain-language text are available through Cochrane.org. Furthermore, a large percentage of the reviews are available as open-access documents.
- Cochrane Central Reviews of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL): in this bibliographical database, one can find references to registered randomized and quasi-randomized studies.
Access
Research in the Cochrane Library is accessible through www.cochranelibrary.com. Access to abstracts (except Cochrane Reviews) and non-open access full texts require a license. More information about access in German-speaking regions can be found on the information page on the Cochrane Germany website.
Some summaries in plain-language and scientific abstracts are available free of charge in German at Cochrane Kompakt.
Cochrane Clinical Answers
This database contains short versions of Cochrane Reviews aimed at healthcare professionals fo facilitate decision-making in everyday practice.