[The Cochrane Library--a short introduction for gastroenterologists].

The Cochrane Library is an important resource for evidence on the effectiveness of interventions in health care. The field of gastroenterology and hepatology is represented within the Cochrane Collaboration by four Cochrane review groups. The most prominent component of the library is the database of systematic reviews, produced by the Cochrane Collaboration. These offer valid information on relevant clinical topics based on comprehensive and skillful identification, evaluation and synthesis of clinical trials. Other components, library access and an introduction into searching the library are presented.