Tufts University School of Medicine is the newest member of Cochrane U.S., joining a network of leading institutions committed to the research and practice of evidence-informed health care to improve outcomes.

Researchers from Tufts School of Medicine and other Tufts University schools and affiliates, including the Tufts Clinical and Translational Science Institute and the Institute for Clinical Research and Health Policy Studies at Tufts Medical Center, will help conduct and disseminate Cochrane systematic reviews in the areas of nutrition, maternal health, public health, health equity and more. The work will represent a shared goal of improving health outcomes for everyone experiencing poor health, health inequities, and elevated risk of chronic diseases.

“These are exciting times for U.S. scientists, clinicians, consumers, and policymakers to collaborate at a higher level to produce and share high-quality evidence, to fashion a meaningful application of health care, and to reduce barriers to that care,” said Shayesteh Jahanfar, associate professor in the Department of Public Health and Community Medicine at Tufts School of Medicine and director of the school’s Cochrane U.S. affiliate.

Jahanfar will work with a team of Tufts staff and faculty as well as members of other Cochrane U.S. affiliates to train researchers in conducting Cochrane systematic reviews that can be disseminated to clinicians, professional associations, policymakers, and others in order to accelerate the translation of evidence-based research into clinical care and health. The first training for Tufts researchers will take place in July.

The Cochrane US Network is part of Cochrane Collaboration, a global independent network of researchers, professionals, patients, and people interested in health. As a not-for-profit organization with over 65,000 members and supporters from more than 130 countries, Cochrane produces credible, accessible health information free from commercial sponsorship and other conflicts of interest. Cochrane’s work is recognized as representing an international gold standard for high-quality, trusted information.