RTI International Joins Cochrane US Network to Promote Evidence-Based Health Care and Public Health

June 05, 2019

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK, NC — The RTI International–University of North Carolina Evidence-Based Practice Center (RTI-UNC EPC) has been selected to join the Cochrane US Network which includes some of the country’s leading institutions in the research and practice of evidence-based health and medicine.

The Cochrane US Network is one of Cochrane’s 70 existing geographic groups around the world, RTI and UNC researchers will promote evidence-based health care decisions by producing reviews on top health topics; providing training to systematic review authors and health care practitioners, policy makers and other stakeholders; and raising public awareness on available Cochrane evidence.

“The RTI-UNC EPC has been delivering significant, impactful health care research and recommendations for over two decades,” said Meera Viswanathan, PhD, director of RTI-UNC EPC. “We are looking forward to continuing our efforts in constant and consistent advancements in the U.S. health care system while working closely with the Cochrane Collaboration.”  

Leila Kahwati, M.D., MPH, a Principal Investigator at the Center, added: “Our new status as a Cochrane Affiliate will help advance our work in serving the community of patients, clinicians, and researchers.”

The Cochrane US Network includes the Cochrane US West Associate Center based at Oregon Health & Science University and 11 new Affiliates, each having their own specific areas of expertise and focus. In addition to RTI-UNC EPC, affiliates include:

  • AcademyHealth
  • American College of Physicians
  • Central Michigan University
  • Cornell University
  • Mayo Clinic Evidence-Based Practice Center
  • Penn Medicine Center for Evidence-Based Practice
  • Texas Christian University
  • University of Chicago Medical Center
  • University of Maryland School of Medicine; and
  • University of Colorado

The RTI-UNC EPC’s expertise will focus specifically on prevention, mental health, and primary care. The Cochrane US Network formally launched Tuesday, June 4, 2019.