The difference we make

Find out how Cochrane's evidence is having global impact. Cochrane's The Difference We Make Collection is a set of examples where Cochrane evidence has made an impact to global healthcare and policy. It highlights how Cochrane works with organizations such as the World Health Organization and Wikipedia; as well as how our evidence makes a difference to everyday lives.

The Difference We Make Collection


Our logo tells a story

CochraneThe circle formed by two 'C' shapes represents our global collaboration. The lines within illustrate the summary results from an iconic systematic review. Each horizontal line represents the results of one study, while the diamond represents the combined result, our best estimate of whether the treatment is effective or harmful. The diamond sits clearly to the left of the vertical line representing "no difference", therefore the evidence indicates that the treatment is beneficial. We call this representation a "forest plot". This forest plot within our logo illustrates an example of the potential for systematic reviews to improve health care. It shows that corticosteroids given to women who are about to give birth prematurely can save the life of the newborn child.

Despite several trials showing the benefit of corticosteroids, adoption of the treatment among obstetricians was slow. The systematic review (originally published by Crowley et al. and subsequently updated) was influential in increasing use of this treatment. This simple intervention has probably saved thousands of premature babies.

For more information on using the Cochrane logo, please see our 'Logo and endorsement policy' on the Cochrane Community site.


Cochrane's name

Cochrane is named in honour of Archie Cochrane, a British medical researcher who contributed greatly to the development of epidemiology as a science.