Consumers, doctors, researchers, administrators, organisers all met and mingled in a fast-moving feast of sharing and communication. We discussed issues, shared experiences, passed on tips, exchanged telephone numbers and networked with the single-minded dedication of consumers. For me, it was a privilege to be able to meet and share experiences with consumers, and medical practitioners, from so many countries and cultures. I found myself talking with people from France, Italy, United Kingdom, America, Canada, The Netherlands, Japan, China, South Africa, Russia, America, Australia, New Zealand and The Consumer Network Newsletter is edited by Sue Pluck and is distributed by the Australasian Cochrane Centre. The views expressed are those of the authors, and are not necessarily shared by the Cochrane Collaboration, or the editors.
Contributions are welcome to the editor at any time.
It was wonderful to see, for the first time, consumers from Zimbabwe and South Africa attending. One of the big issues that became evident in this environment is the need for the Cochrane Collaboration to look closely at the issues affecting developing countries. We need to become more universal in the scope of reviews, and to ensure that the agendas are not just derived by western, developed countries, but also in response to the issues affecting areas of most need and disadvantage. We could also suggest that Cochrane develop a policy that CRGs should include representation from or consultation with developing countries. Perhaps then we may be even more certain that we are internationally credible and globally sound in our findings.