Updating Reviews

When to update a Review

Once reviews have been published on the Cochrane Library, they will need to be routinely updated. Cochrane reviews are no longer updated on a set schedule. They are updated based on need, considering factors such as the currency of the question, the impact and usage of the current version of the Review, the availability of new evidence, an assessment of whether the new evidence is likely to impact the conclusions of the review, and whether methodological updates are needed in response to evolving standards. Authors should monitor the need to update their review and receive reminders from Cochrane Gut to do so. You can refer to the Cochrane Policy on Review Updates for more information.  

How to update a Review

All updates must involve a search for new studies. The Cochrane Gut information specialist will peer-review the original search strategies and may make necessary changes before they are run. Before updates are initiated, the author team must also assess (in consultation with the editorial team) whether any updates to the scope of the review, review methods, or tools and software used to conduct the review (e.g., review production software, Risk of bias tools) are warranted. The editorial team must approve any changes, and this discussion should occur before the initiation of any search updates.

Please refer to the Cochrane Handbook Chapter IV on Updating a review for more information. *All author teams must be aware of the Cochrane policy on rejecting Cochrane Reviews, which applies to all Review Updates

When an update is not required

If it is determined that a review no longer requires updating — for example, if another title has superseded the review, no new evidence is anticipated, or the intervention has been withdrawn from the market — a note will be placed on the Review to this effect. It will remain published in the Cochrane Library, clearly labelled as no update planned.