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);

• 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;

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

• To develop appropriate methodological standards for prospective meta-analyses;

• To provide advice and support to those embarking on (or contemplating) a 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 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