Objective The aim of this project was to identify gaps and research waste in the dissemination of Cochrane gynaecology evidence in the Cochrane database of systematic reviews (CDSR). Design A research article Setting The Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility (CGF) Group’s specialised register of random controlled trials (RCTs). Sample Trials looking at benign gynaecological conditions, contained in the CGF specialised register, published between the years 2010-2011. Methods Gynaecology trials from the CGF specialised register were matched, by the specific gynaecological issue and treatment, to existing Cochrane reviews. Unmatched trials were categorised to develop and prioritise new review topics. Main outcome measures Proportions Results 740 trials, published from 2010 to 2011, were exported from the specialised register, after removing duplicates and out of scope trials, 185 of these trials were found to be already included in Cochrane reviews. 422 trials were found to be unused, however 192 (26%) of these could be included in an existing CGF SR if it were updated. 230 trials (32%) were not matched to any review title and from these 21 new review titles were developed. The topic with the largest number of associated ‘unused’ trials, was ‘Plant and herbal extracts for symptoms of menopause’. Conclusions This project was used to consider unused trials, prioritise new review topics and identify those reviews that need to be updated, thereby identifying the gaps in evidence for women with gynaecological problems.

Objective The aim of this project was to identify gaps and research waste in the dissemination of fertility evidence in the Cochrane database of systematic reviews (CDSR). Design A research article. Setting The Cochrane Gynaecology and Fertility (CGF) Group’s specialised register of random controlled trials (RCTs). Sample Infertility trials contained in the CGF specialised register, published between the years 2010-2011. Methods Infertility trials from the CGF specialised register were matched, by the specific fertility issue and treatment, to existing Cochrane reviews. Unmatched trials were categorised to develop and prioritise new review topics. Main outcome measures Proportions Results 564 trials, published from 2010 to 2011, were exported from the specialised register and after removing duplicates, 318 trials were found to be already included in a Cochrane review. 187 (37%) of trials were found to be unused, however 115 (23%) of these could be included in an existing CGF SR, if it were updated. 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 was used to consider unused trials, prioritise new review topics and identify those reviews that need to be updated, thereby identifying the gaps in evidence for couples with fertility problems. Keywords research waste, gaps, fertility, infertility, randomized controlled trials, systematic reviews, prioritisation.