Rapid Reviews: Sisyphos' Salvation? - An Inventory

Objective and

Methods: The aim of this article is to perform an inventory on the subject of rapid reviews.

Results: Carrying out a systematic review or health technology assessment (HTA) is costly and time-consuming. Usually, it takes between six months and one year to complete a systematic review, and at least one year to complete an HTA. Since questions relating to health care can be urgent, decision-makers sometimes need information in a timely manner. Rapid reviews are a kind of systematic reviews, which are conducted within shorter timeframes and, so, are less expensive. They are characterised by methodological restrictions, which can apply at different stages of the review process. Frequently, limitations are imposed with respect to literature search and retrieval. However, the screening of the title and abstract, full text screening, data extraction and quality assessment can also be affected by restrictions.

Conclusions: The use of rapid review methodology saves time and costs. In situations that require quick decisions, rapid reviews are the only option for taking decisions. However, methodological restraints may result in greater vulnerability to bias.