The role of the Prospective Meta-analysis Methods Group (PMA MG) is:

•  to provide a mechanism to enable the registration of prospective meta-analyses:

• Cochrane (via Cochrane Review Groups); and

• non-Cochrane (via PMA MG);

• to provide a mechanism for evaluating protocols submitted for registration to ensure they are indeed prospective meta-analyses. This may be achieved by:

• providing training for members of Cochrane Review Groups (e.g. editors and peer-reviewers);

• members of the PMA MG peer reviewing protocols; and

• a checklist for investigators performing or peer-reviewing a PMA;

• to develop appropriate methodological standards for prospective meta-analyses; and

• to provide advice and support to those embarking on (or contemplating) prospective meta-analyses.

Membership of the group is open to anyone who is conducting, has conducted, or is interested in conducting a prospective meta-analysis, regardless of the area of health care investigated. To join, individuals are asked to detail their level of commitment on a Prospective Meta-analysis Methods Group Questionnaire (available on the PMA web site, below). Members will be asked to update this information annually.

Web site: www.cochrane.org/docs/pma.htm