Retrospective Comparison

A Retrospective Comparison of Systematic Reviews with Same-Topic Rapid Reviews

Reynen E, Robson R, Ivory J, Hwee J, Straus SE, Pham B, Tricco AC. A retrospective comparison of systematic reviews with same-topic rapid reviews. J Clin Epidemiol. 2018 Apr;96:23-34. doi: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2017.12.001.

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Bottom Line:

• Systematic reviews and rapid reviews reported similar conclusions, but rapid reviews tend to use abbreviated methods, provide less detail and fewer considerations
• Challenging to discern methodological differences because of retrospective assessment and substantial non-reporting, particularly for rapid reviews

Impact:

• Highlighted that a prospective design comparing rapid reviews and systematic reviews is the more appropriate approach for addressing questions regarding a rapid review’s validity, efficiency, and general suitability as an alternative to a systematic review

Additional Resources:

• Research brief
• Full publication

Funding:

This work was supported by an Ontario Ministry of Research, Innovation, and Science Early Researcher Award that was awarded to ACT. SES is funded by a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Knowledge Translation. ACT is funded by a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Knowledge Synthesis.