Table 1 Summary of the rapid review products included in the WCEC rapid evidence review process
Phase I: rapid evidence summary (preliminary search of the literature; topic exploration) | Phase III: rapid review For broad policy questions, this may incorporate a two-staged process, where an initial descriptive map or scoping review is conducted to inform the focus of the rapid review | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Product type | Rapid response | Inventory | Rapid review |
Timeframe | ~1 week | ~1–2 months* | |
Output/format | Key messages and annotated bibliography (with links to full text) | Rapid evidence map Using abbreviated systematic mapping or scoping methods | Rapid review based on abbreviated SR methods |
Purpose | Provide early access to evidence; gauge potential size and type of existing research; inform the rapid review methods/protocol/search strategy; support stakeholder involvement | Provide a description of the available evidence; identify substantial focus; identify existing research and evidence gaps | Provide a summary and direction of effect and possibly strength of the evidence |
NB If an up-to date, robust and directly relevant evidence review is identified during phase I further review work may not be required; a critical appraisal and summary of the evidence review will likely suffice (with, if necessary, a limited update). Where multiple SRs are identified, these will be reviewed as part of the subsequent rapid review | |||
Methods | A preliminary search of key resources (prioritising COVID-19 resources and sources of robust evidence syntheses) | Protocol and full search strategy developed Limitations on scope and comprehensiveness of review applied: limited number of sources searched; targeted grey literature; limited number of outcomes; study design restrictions (Limits vary by topic, timeframe and extent of available evidence) | |
Data type | Based on abstracts of best available secondary/tertiary evidence | Based primarily on abstracts with some full text as required | Based on full texts |
Integration of evidence | Reference list + key messages | Narrative summary of study characteristic | Narrative summary of study characterises and evidence synthesis |
Risk of bias assessment | Not applicable | Not included | Yes (using validated instrument where feasible) |
Limitations/disclaimers | • Not all relevant evidence will have been identified • Assessment based mainly on titles and abstracts • Quality of the listed/included evidence not assessed • Conclusions cannot be drawn | • Possible that not all relevant evidence identified • Quality of the listed/included evidence not assessed • No synthesis of results conducted; provide description of available evidence • Conclusions cannot be drawn | • Possible that not all relevant evidence identified • There may be potential biases in cutting corners (SR methods). (Transparency in reporting and following a methodology will highlight limitations) |