Rapid Review

A rapid review is a form of systematic review that uses streamlined methods to produce evidence quickly and efficiently, often for time-sensitive decision-making in healthcare or policy.

Rapid reviews balance speed and rigor, trading some methodological depth for timely results.

• Shorter timelines (weeks to a few months)
• May restrict:
  1. Number of databases searched
  2. Language or publication date
  3. Study types included
• Often skips dual screening or full quality appraisal
• Transparent about methodological limitations

• Public health emergencies (e.g., COVID-19)
• Clinical guidelines needing quick updates
• Health technology assessments (HTA)
• Policy or regulatory decisions

• Higher risk of bias due to abbreviated methods
• May miss relevant studies or nuances
• Less reproducible than full systematic reviews

• Systematic review protocol
• Bias assessment tools
• Levels of evidence

rapid_review systematic_review evidence_based_medicine hta decision_support