New research questions identified for Cochrane reviews; a cross-sectional study of a specialized register: Part two; Fertility.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this project was to identify gaps and research waste in the dissemination of fertility evidence in Cochrane systematic reviews (CSRs). STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: A cross-sectional study of The Cochrane Gynecology and Fertility (CGF) Group's specialized register of randomized controlled trials (RCTs). We included trials on fertility problems, published in 2010 and 2011. These trials were matched, by the condition and treatment, to existing CSRs. Unmatched trials were analysed to prioritize new review titles. RESULTS: We exported 564 trials, from the CGF specialized register and found that 115 (23%) of these could be included in an existing CSR, if it were updated while 72 trials (14%) were not matched to any review topic and from these, eight new Cochrane review titles were developed. The topic with the largest number of associated 'unused' trials, was 'Traditional Chinese Medicine for women undergoing assisted reproductive techniques. CONCLUSIONS: This project found that 14% of fertility trials were 'unused' and from these we identified new review topics and identified those reviews that need to be updated, thereby identifying the gaps in evidence for people with infertility.