• In April 1994, when IPD meta-analyses were relatively rare and there was little published guidance on how they should be done, a workshop (supported by the UK Cochrane Centre) was convened. Representatives of those groups with experience of conducting IPD reviews attended. They discussed the practical aspects of doing IPD meta-analyses and this led to the formation, and registration of the Methods Group in December 1994, with a full report of the workshop discussions published the following year.

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• The group has grown considerably, and the continues to regularly hold guidance workshops, on various aspects of IPD meta-analyses, at annual UK & Ireland-based Cochrane Contributors Meetings and Cochrane Colloquia, and provides guidance to those wishing to undertake Cochrane Reviews based on IPD.

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• The Group contributes to Cochrane by providing guidance to those planning or undertaking Cochrane Reviews based on IPD. Cochrane authors are encouraged to contact the Methods Group for advice on specific areas of IPD meta-analysis.

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• The convenors of the Methods Group are Mike Clarke, Lesley Stewart and Jayne Tierney, and the coordinator is Larysa Rydzewska.

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• For more details please visit their website, which includes some training resources.​