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Cochrane Review Groups (CRGs) can ask Network Associate Edtiors for feedback on Cochrane Reviews that have been submitted for editorial review. There are various scenarios when it may be appropriate to contact your Associate Editor for review screening or other checks; see Possible scenarios for referral of reviews for screening.

The aim of screening is primarily intended to help decide what sort of additional work might be needed before publication. Screening is carried out using a Triage Tool (see Appendix 1) that focuses on three separate aspects of the review:

• Possible errors in the analysis of data
• Common issues in the interpretation of findings and information embedded in the Summary of Findings (SoF) table.
• Consistency of reporting in the abstract.

Further information about the Triage Tool can be found in the Operational guide to the Cochrane Editorial & Methods Department Review Triaging Tool. The process for review screening is detailed below (Process for review screening), but please contact your Associate Editor if you have any queries.

Other quick checks and feedback may be appropriate rather than providing a full screening report.

Possible scenarios for referral of reviews for screening

CRG referral for high-priority reviews (screening report)

If the review:

• is a high priority (e.g. being completed for a guideline or is on the high priority reviews list) and the CRG would like further input.
• is high profile and may be controversial (awaiting final approval of guidance: “Identifying, managing and communicating high-risk and highly visible reviews”).
• is accepted for Fast-Track (screening is compulsory part of the Fast-Tract editorial process, rather than a referral from the CRG).
• is subject to funding (such as an incentive award).
• is a candidate for enhanced dissemination (including a press release).

Other CRG referrals (optional quick checks or screening report)

• Methodological queries, concerns or uncertainty.
• Support for rejection.
• Complex methods and the CRG does not otherwise have access to appropriate methodological support (e.g. from the NIHR Complex Reviews Support Unit).
• Any potential conflict of interest of editorial staff (e.g. if the Co-ordinating Editor and/or Managing Editor is an author). Sign-off for publication to be provided by Network Senior Editor.
• When multiple iterations have been made and an independent perspective is required (a “fresh pair of eyes”).

External sources

• Red flags from the abstract (stage E alert) identified by the Senior or Associate Editor or via the weekly Analysis of Review Group Output (ARGO) meeting held by UK Cochrane Centre.
• Occasional referrals from Copy Edit Support or via Cochrane Clinical Answers.
• Critical feedback, retracted studies or comments received after publication.

Process for review screening

1. When CRGs have identified the need for screening (see Box 1 for possible scenarios), they should contact the Associate Editor and Senior Editor for their Network as soon as possible. Any advance notice of upcoming reviews to be referred for screening, in particular that require a quick turnaround or are large, would be much appreciated. In most cases reviews will be referred for screening prior to copy edit, however it may be appropriate for the processes to be run in parallel.
2. Reviews can be referred for screening at any stage of the editorial process, and checks can be carried out on, but not limited to the:
   1. ProtocoL
   2. Results and analysiS
   3. Implementation of GRADE and Summary of findings tableS
   4. Abstract and plain language summary
   5. Discussion and conclusions
3. Associate Editors will consult with other sources of advice as necessary, for example other Associate Editors, Senior Editors or the Methods Support Team (to be established during 2019).
4. Associate Editors will screen the review using the Triage Tool (see Appendix 1) and return a written report to the CRG.
5. Associate Editors will also specify whether they will need to rescreen the amended review before proceeding, or if they are happy for the CRG to check amendments are made.
6. Please note that turnaround time for a screening report will depend on the volume of queries received and the size of the review. An estimate of completion can be provided once a request is received.

Triage tool