It is useful to leave space after the title so reviewers can write notes specific to the study being abstracted. This avoids placing notes, questions or reminders on the last page of the form where they are least likely to be noticed. Important notes may be entered into RevMan in the 'notes' column of the Characteristics of Included Studies table, or in the text of the review. Every Cochrane Review is assigned a unique identifier. This should be included next to the title on the data collection form.
Forms occasionally have to be revised.
Coding the form with a revision date or version number reduces the chances of erroneously using an outdated form by mistake. Each included study must be given a study identifier that is used in RevMan. Reviewers may need to collect data from multiple reports of the same trial. It is a good idea to record the source of key information, including where it was found in a report or if information was obtained from unpublished sources and personal communications. Any unpublished information that is used should be written and coded in the same way as published information.