Types of Reviews

Rapid Reviews

What are they?

Rapid reviews are a form of knowledge synthesis that accelerates the process of conducting a traditional systematic review through streamlining or omitting specific methods to produce evidence for stakeholders in a resource-efficient manner.

How long might it take to complete?

5-12 weeks

Is a team required?

A team is not required for this type of review.

What are the protocols that are preferred or required?

Protocols are recommended. Examples:

When would you use this type of review?

Cochrane RRs should be driven primarily by requests for timely evidence for decision-making purposes including to address urgent and emergent health issues and questions deemed to be of high priority.

Is there an example?

Brooks SK, Webster RK, Smith LE, et al. The psychological impact of quarantine and how to reduce it: rapid review of the evidence. Lancet. 2020;395(10227):912-920. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(20)30460-8

Rapid Reviews Infographic