Abstract Evidence synthesis is a key element of evidence-based medicine. However, it is currently hampered by being labour intensive meaning that many trials are not incorporated into robust evidence syntheses and that many are out of date. To overcome this, a variety of techniques are being explored, including using automation technology. Here, we describe a fully automated evidence synthesis system for intervention studies, one that … Continue reading Developing a fully automated evidence synthesis tool for identifying, assessing and collating the evidence

Challenges of rapid reviews for diagnostic test accuracy questions: a protocol for an international survey and expert consultation Diagnostic and Prognostic Research 2019 3:7. Arevalo-Rodriguez I et al The journal is not in PubMed so easily missed…:   Assessment of diagnostic tests, broadly defined as any element that aids in the collection of additional information for further clarification of a patient’s health status, has increasingly … Continue reading Challenges of rapid reviews for diagnostic test accuracy questions: a protocol

The Impact of Study Size on Meta-analyses: Examination of Underpowered Studies in Cochrane Reviews Turner RM, Bird SM, Higgins JP. PLoS One. 2013;8(3):e59202. An old paper but one someone pointed out recently and it’s one that mentions rapid reviews in a number of places, notably: “When at least two adequately powered studies are available in meta-analyses reported by Cochrane reviews, underpowered studies often contribute little … Continue reading The Impact of Study Size on Meta-analyses: Examination of Underpowered Studies in Cochrane Reviews

Shame this is behind a paywall as it looks really interesting!   Objectives Reimbursement systems are evolving and endeavor to balance access and affordability. One such evolution in Ireland is the compulsory rapid review (RR) process, the outcome from which is a recommendation for a health technology assessment (HTA) or no HTA. For drugs that avoid an HTA, evaluation times are shorter, lengthy price negotiations … Continue reading To HTA or Not to HTA: Identifying the Factors Influencing the Rapid Review Outcome in Ireland

As part of updating the Trip Database I noticed the AHRQ have a new category ‘Rapid Evidence Product’ which currently has two entries: Patient Navigation Models for Lung Cancer (Dec 2018) Addressing Social Isolation To Improve the Health of Older Adults: A Rapid Review (Feb 2019) To whet your appetite this is how the method appears in the abstract of the latter review: Methods. We … Continue reading AHRQ dipping their toe in to the ‘rapid’ world

SelecTing Approaches for Rapid Reviews (STARR) Decision Tool project Authors: Eva Kaltenthaler, Katy Cooper, Marrissa Martyn St James, Abdullah Pandor, Ruth Wong ScHARR, University of Sheffield This is a project outline with the following aims: The aim of the proposed study is to validate the decision tool by achieving consensus using the Delphi method among those involved in rapid reviewing. This will ensure that the most important … Continue reading SelecTing Approaches for Rapid Reviews (STARR) Decision Tool project

Abbreviated literature searches were viable alternatives to comprehensive searches: a meta-epidemiological study. Nussbaumer-Streit B. et al. J Clin Epidemiol. 2018 Jun 1 A paper highlighting that abbreviated searches typically produce very similar results. The authors conclude: “If decision makers are willing to accept less certainty and a small risk for opposite conclusions, some abbreviated searches are viable options for rapid evidence syntheses. Decisions demanding high … Continue reading Two new posts (well, new to the site)

Developing PRISMA-RR, a reporting guideline for rapid reviews of primary studies. Stevens A et al.  2018 This is a protocol describing the development of reporting guidelines for rapid reviews (following similar work in systematic reviews. See the PRISMA website). The authors state: “The objective of this project is to create an evidence-based, consensus-derived minimum guidance for uthors writing reports of rapid reviews of primary studies.” The … Continue reading Developing PRISMA-RR, a reporting guideline for rapid reviews of primary studies

Do policy-makers find commissioned rapid reviews useful? Moore G et al Health Research Policy and Systems 2018 16:17 Abstract Background Rapid reviews are increasingly used by policy agencies to access relevant research in short timeframes. Despite the growing number of programmes, little is known about how rapid reviews are used by health policy agencies. This study examined whether and how rapid reviews commissioned using a … Continue reading Do policy-makers find commissioned rapid reviews useful?