The Cochrane Gynaecological Cancer Review Group (CGCRG) is currently seeking help in consumer peer reviewing (refereeing) Cochrane reviews within the topic area of cervical cancer which are published on The Cochrane Library (www.thecochranelibrary.com/view/0/index.html?CRETRY=1&SRETRY=0).

Refereeing is a critical part of the process to ensure the quality of Cochrane protocols and reviews (a protocol is the first, developmental stage of a Cochrane review). Refereeing, allows both clinical content experts and consumers to critique the work and suggest ways it could be improved before it reaches the publication stage. The editors and authors then take these comments into account when developing the final draft that will be published on The Cochrane Library.

The Cochrane Collaboration (www.cochrane.org) asks all review groups to include consumers in their work, and encourages the inclusion of consumers among the experts called on to assess draft protocols and reviews. Consumer feedback is a key strategy in making Cochrane reviews more relevant, accessible, and able to improve health care for the people who need it.

The commitment as a peer reviewer is not too intensive. For a Cochrane protocol, the first stage of the process, it is probably between 30 min – 2 hours depending on the content and the feedback it may require. The full review may be a little longer 2 – 3 hours. We try not to overload our peer reviewers so ask for their time 2 to 3 times a year depending on our workload.

For more information about consumer involvement please contact Clare Jess or Gail Quinn (Managing Editors for the Cochrane Gynaecological Cancer Review Group) on 01225 826347 or 826749 or email [email protected] and visit our Website www.cochrane-gyncan.org.