Rapid reviews: A critical perspective

Abstract

BackgroundThe high scientific uncertainty of many far-reaching and serious political decisions during the ”coronavirus crisis“ underpins the enormous importance of having evidence syntheses that are quickly available and at the same time reliable. As these requirements can only be insufficiently fulfilled by systematic reviews due to the high amount of time required, abbreviated evidence syntheses in the form of rapid reviews are becoming increasingly popular. PurposeThis commentary aims to enhance methodological and methodical discussions and research about abbreviated evidence syntheses. MethodsA selective literature search and evaluation focussing on research dealing with rapid reviews. ResultsIn rapid reviews, a wide variety of methods can be used to speed up the process of literature search and evaluation, while at the same time maintaining the principles of methodological quality and transparent reporting. But do rapid reviews currently keep what they promise? We discuss the increasing trend towards rapid reviews, giving the currently available evidence on the topic some critical reflection. Following this discussion, we will finally derive demands that go beyond the topic of rapid reviews alone.