databases

1. The Cochrane Library online
   The Cochrane Library is a unique source of reliable and up-to-date information on the effects of interventions in health care. Published on a quarterly basis, The Cochrane Library is designed to provide information and evidence to support decisions taken in health care and to inform those receiving care. It consists of a regularly updated collection of evidence-based medicine databases, including The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.
     
   The SACC is offering sponsored subscriptions. A limited number of free registrations are available but adequate motivation for these is required. Apply here.
   
   Other databases included in The Cochrane Library:
• The Database of Abstracts of Reviews of Effects The Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) The Cochrane Methodology Register The NHS Economic Evaluation Database Health Technology Assessment Database
• Cochrane Database of Methodology Reviews (CDMR)

Access options:

1. The abstracts of the reviews included in The Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews are available free-of-charge on http://www.cochrane.org/reviews/index.htm and provide a valuable source of healthcare information. Where available, plain language summaries are also provided; they are short synopses of the reviews' core findings, with a minimum of technical terms.
2. The South African Cochrane Centre (SACC) acts as a distributor of The Cochrane Library in South Africa.
• subscription options and costs:
  Contact: Joy Oliver
  Tel: +27 21 938-0438 | Fax: +27 21 938-0836
  E-mail: joy.oliver@mrc.ac.za

2. African Trials Registry - ATR database
   The African Trials Register is a database of controlled trials performed in Africa and has been compiled by the South African Cochrane Centre. Together with other relevant information, the African Trials Register aims to contribute to evidence-based health care decision-making in Africa and to raise awareness of clinical effectiveness research conducted in Africa.
   The database also provides a unique opportunity to describe African trials, including the "lost science" not identifiable via large databases electronic databases. It also provides an opportunity to study patterns of research into healthcare interventions in Africa.
   Contact person: Elizabeth Pienaar