Methodological guidance for rapid reviews in healthcare: A scoping review

The aim of the present work was to identify published methodological guidance for rapid reviews (RRs) and to analyze the recommendations with regard to time‐saving measures. A literature search was performed in PubMed and EMBASE in November 2020. In addition, a search based on Google Scholar and websites of governmental and non‐governmental organizations was conducted. Literature screening was carried out by two researchers independently. A total of 34 publications were included. These describe 38 distinct RR types. The timeframe to complete the identified RR types ranges from 24 h to 6 months (mean time 2.2 months). For most RR types a specific research question ( n  = 21) and a prioritizing search ( n  = 25; preference for e.g., systematic reviews and meta‐analyses) is employed. Different approaches such as reduced personnel in literature screening ( n  = 21) and data extraction ( n  = 21) are recommended. The majority of RR types include a bias assessment ( n  = 28) and suggest a narrative report focusing on safety and efficacy. The included RR types are heterogeneous in terms of completion time, considered domains and strategies to alter the standard systematic review methods. A rationale for the recommended shortcuts is rarely presented.