Methods of conduct and reporting of living systematic reviews: a protocol for a living methodological survey

Assem M Khamis,Assem M Khamis,Holger J Schünemann,Elie A Akl,Elie A Akl,Elie A Akl,Elie A Akl,Holger J Schünemann,Lara A Kahale,Lara A Kahale,Lara A Kahale,Lara A Kahale,Hector Pardo-Hernandez

doi:10.12688/f1000research.18005.1

Abstract

Background: The living systematic review (LSR) is an emerging approach for improved evidence synthesis that uses continual updating to include relevant new evidence as soon as it is published. The objectives of this study are to: 1) assess the methods of conduct and reporting of living systematic reviews using a living study approach; and 2) describe the life cycle of living systematic reviews, i.e., describe the changes over time to their methods and findings. Methods: For objective 1, we will begin by conducting a cross-sectional survey and then update its findings every 6 months by including newly published LSRs. For objective 2, we will conduct a prospective longitudinal follow-up of the cohort of included LSRs. To identify LSRs, we will continually search the following electronic databases: Medline, EMBASE and the Cochrane library. We will also contact groups conducting LSRs to identify eligible studies that we might have missed. We will follow the standard systematic review methodology for study selection and data abstraction. For each LSR update, we will abstract information on the following: 1) general characteristics, 2) systematic review methodology, 3) living approach methodology, 4) results, and 5) editorial and publication processes. We will update the findings of both the surveys and the longitudinal follow-up of included LSRs every 6 months. In addition, we will identify articles addressing LSR methods to be included in an ‘LSR methods repository’. Conclusion: The proposed living methodological survey will allow us to monitor how the methods of conduct, and reporting as well as the findings of LSRs change over time. Ultimately this should help with ensuring the quality and transparency of LSRs.

Highlights

The living systematic review (LSR) is an emerging approach for improved evidence synthesis that uses continual updating to include relevant new evidence as soon as it is published
We will consider that an LSR lost its living status when its authors report it as such or when they fail to publish an update after a period that is triple that of the planned updates, according to the LSR protocol
The main objectives of this living methodological survey (LMS) are to assess the methods of conduct and reporting of LSRs and describe the changes over

Summary

Introduction

The living systematic review (LSR) is an emerging approach for improved evidence synthesis that uses continual updating to include relevant new evidence as soon as it is published. For each LSR update, we will abstract information on the following: 1) general characteristics, 2) systematic review methodology, 3) living approach methodology, 4) results, and 5) editorial and publication processes. The living systematic review (LSR) is an emerging approach for evidence synthesis that uses continual updating to include relevant new evidence as soon as it is published[1]. LSR aims to make the relevant evidence available to users, soon after its publication. LSRs are expected to take advantage of their currency to enhance the accuracy and utility of evidence synthesis[3,4]. LSRs require steps that are specific to the living approach, such as frequent searches or protocols for triggering meta-analyses updating[6]

Objectives

Methods

Conclusion