Rapid review programs to support health care and policy decision making: a descriptive analysis of processes and methods

This article, written by Julie Polisena, Chantelle Garritty, Chris Kamel, Adrienne Stevens and Ahmed M Abou-Setta, looks at the processes and methods used in producing Rapid Reviews (RR)to synthesize evidence for a shorter turnaround.  The paper also analyses many of the underlying themes associated with using RRs

Excerpt

"Based on a sample of 29 RR programs, the study findings revealed that the definition of, and methods to conduct, RRs was more fluid and flexible compared with those established for a traditional systematic review or HTA. This phenomenon can be related in part to the novelty of RR methods versus other evidence-based approaches, tailoring of RRs to meet the decision makers’ needs, and how an organization defines ‘rapid’ since the definition impacts both the timelines and the conduct of the evidence synthesis. Central themes to factors that appear to influence the methods used by RR programs and their respective report types and dissemination are the imposed turnaround time to complete a report; resources available; the complexity and sensitivity of the research topics; and permission from the requestor. From the responses we received, it is evident that a ‘one-size fits all’ approach may not be appropriate as RRs are produced for decision makers in an array of health care areas for different purposes and with diffing available resources and time constraints. It, therefore, seems challenging to develop a formulaic process or methodology that would be endorsed by all RR producers and users. Even so, further research may reveal particular common points of interest that would allow some standardization of the methods used to conduct specific types of RR and how to best report their results."

Sources

Julie Polisena, Chantelle Garritty, Chris Kamel, Adrienne Stevens, Ahmed M Abou Setta. Syst Rev. 2015; 4: 26. Published online 2015 March 14. doi: 10.1186/s13643-015-0022-6 PMCID: PMC4407715