PMU118 USE OF COMPUTER-ASSISTED METHODS TO REALIZE THE CONCEPT OF A LIVING SYSTEMATIC REVIEW VIA AN ONLINE PLATFORM

Abstract

Developed by Cochrane, the concept of a “living” systematic literature review (SLR) refers to an SLR that is continually updated. The timely publication of results is intrinsic to this concept. We developed an online platform (“PSE-LiveSLR™”) that supports continual updating via computer-assisted methods and prioritizes rapid data indexing and communication. To commence each SLR, protocol including population, interventions, comparators, outcomes and study design (PICOS) criteria were developed according to standards put forth by Cochrane for acute myeloid leukemia, myelodysplastic syndrome, multiple myeloma and non-small cell lung cancer. Once an initial evidence base was established, scheduled updates were executed. Major databases (Cochrane, Embase, Medline, Pubmed) were automatically searched on a monthly basis, while relevant congress abstracts were added upon their release. Computer-assisted tools were used to augment reviewer efforts, enabling rapid review and extraction. Immediately upon generation, data were used to populate a guideline-consistent, fully interactive, web-based portal that allows further customization of SLR criteria. The platform successfully supported reviews across 4 selected oncology indications. Serialized, partially automated updates ensured that SLRs performed through the platform were never more than 1 month out-of-date, a pace that more than matches the pace of research publication. Users were automatically notified as new data were incorporated, resulting on average 2 updates per month with >50 new publications added per indication per month and over 1000 new publications in January-May 2019. Conventional SLRs that are updated semi-annually, if at all, are often outpaced by the rate of data production and publication. With the acknowledgement that up-to-date evidence is crucial for policy and practice decisions, SLR methodology is evolving. With this platform, continuous SLR updates and rapid data distribution are achievable, which may address key challenges faced by conventional SLRs and transform Cochrane’s living SLR from concept to reality.