Background: Health care decision-makers increasingly require quality evidence in a reduced timeframe to support informed decision-making. Innovative rapid review methods for evidence synthesis are emerging to meet these demands. Rapid review methods are not well-known, lack consistency, and are supported infrequently by published scientific literature.

Objectives: To present the different rapid review methods used to address numerous policy, procurement, and clinical practice questions that will impact health care delivery and patient outcomes. The presenters will describe the methods employed by CADTH’s Rapid Response Service, the Cochrane Response Rapid Reviews, The Ottawa Hospital Technology Assessment Program, and the Center for Evidence-based Policy in Oregon, US to provide an immediate response to their stakeholders. Some topics for consideration are: the appropriateness of the literature search strategy and selection criteria, data analysis and synthesis conducted, report layout and transparency, and policy implications discussed according to the evidence.