Cochrane Rapid Reviews Methods Group offers evidence-informed guidance to conduct rapid reviews

Chantelle Garritty, Gerald Gartlehner, Barbara Nussbaumer-Streit, Valerie J. King, Candyce Hamel, Chris Kamel, Lisa Affengruber, Adrienne Stevens

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

369 Scopus citations

Abstract

Objectives: To develop methods guidance to support the conduct of rapid reviews (RRs) produced within Cochrane and beyond, in response to requests for timely evidence syntheses for decision-making purposes including urgent health issues of high priority. Study Design and Setting: Interim recommendations were informed by a scoping review of the underlying evidence, primary methods studies conducted, and a survey sent to 119 representatives from 20 Cochrane entities, who were asked to rate and rank RR methods across stages of review conduct. Discussions among those with expertise in RR methods further informed the list of recommendations with accompanying rationales provided. Results: Based on survey results from 63 respondents (53% response rate), 26 RR methods recommendations are presented for which there was a high or moderate level of agreement or scored highest in the absence of such agreement. Where possible, how recommendations align with Cochrane methods guidance for systematic reviews is highlighted. Conclusion: The Cochrane Rapid Reviews Methods Group offers new, interim guidance to support the conduct of RRs. Because best practice is limited by the lack of currently available evidence for some RR methods shortcuts taken, this guidance will need to be updated as additional abbreviated methods are evaluated.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)13-22
Number of pages10
JournalJournal of Clinical Epidemiology
Volume130
DOIs
StatePublished - Feb 2021

Keywords

  • Decision-making
  • Evidence synthesis
  • Rapid review
  • Systematic review

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Epidemiology

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Cochrane Rapid Reviews Methods Group offers evidence-informed guidance to conduct rapid reviews'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this