Knowledge Synthesis & Systematic Reviews

What is a Rapid Review?

A rapid review is conducted using a modification of the methods usd in a systematic review. Decisions about which processes to modify and how are made based on the time allotted for the completion of the review and how such modifications will affect the quality of the final product.  If systematic reviews are thought of as supplying the "correct" answer to a reasearch question based on the available research, rapid reviews provide the "good enough" answer.

The six steps to consider in rapid review searching are:

1. Plan – Frame research question, determine inclusion and exclusion criteria for studies, create project management outline including deadlines and responsibilities, and develop protocol.
2. Identify – Determine search terms and databases to search, retrieve studies and document findings.
3. Evaluate – Screen, select, sort, and appraise studies.
4. Collect & Code – Determine forms, code selected studies, and synthesize data extracted.
5. Explain – Analyze findings and put them into context.
6. Summarize – Write up the report.

Recommended Resources

• Garritty C, Gartlehner G, Nussbaumer-Streit B, King VJ, Hamel C, Kamel C, L A, Stevens A. Cochrane Rapid Reviews Methods Group offers evidence-informed guidance to conduct rapid reviews. J Clin Epidemiol. 2020 Oct 14:S0895-4356(20)31146-X. doi: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2020.10.007
• Tricco A et al(eds). 2017. Rapid Reviews to Strengthen Health Policy and Systems: a Practical Guide. World Health Organization.
• Dobbins M. 2017. Rapid Review Guidebook: Steps for Conducting a Rapid Review. National Collaborating Centre for Methods and Tools
• Tricco, Andrea C et al. Rapid reviews and the methodological rigor of evidence synthesis: a JBI position statement. JBI Evidence Synthesis: April 2022 - Volume 20 - Issue 4 - p 944-949
• doi: 10.11124/JBIES-21-00371 
• Ganann R, Ciliska D, Thomas H. Expediting systematic reviews: methods and implications of rapid reviews. Implement Sci. 2010. 5:56. doi:10.1186/1748-5908-5-56
• SelecTing Approaches for Rapid Reviews (STARR) Decision Tool - User Guide. Appendix D in: Pandor A, Kaltenthaler E, Martyn-St James M, Wong R, Cooper K, Dimairo M, O’Cathain A, Campbell F, Booth A. Delphi consensus reached to produce a decision tool for SelecTing Approaches for Rapid Reviews (STARR), Journal of Clinical Epidemiology (2019), doi: https:// doi.org/10.1016/j.jclinepi.2019.06.005.
• SelecTing Approaches for Rapid Reviews (STARR) Decision Tool. Appendix C in: Pandor A, Kaltenthaler E, Martyn-St James M, Wong R, Cooper K, Dimairo M, O’Cathain A, Campbell F, Booth A. Delphi consensus reached to produce a decision tool for SelecTing Approaches for Rapid Reviews (STARR), Journal of Clinical Epidemiology (2019), doi: https:// doi.org/10.1016/j.jclinepi.2019.06.005.

References

Grant, M. & Booth, A. (2009). A typology of reviews: an analysis of 14 review types and associated methodologies. Health Information and Libraries Journal, 26(2), 91-108. DOI: 10.1111/j.1471-1842.2009.00848.x