Objectives: Rapid reviews (RRs) are increasingly employed as a research synthesis tool to support timely evidence-informed decision-making. Some of the facilitators hope to register a Cochrane RR Methods Group to help define their conduct and use. This workshop aims: 1) to introduce the concept of RRs; 2) to develop an understanding of the utility of RRs as an evidence synthesis product; 3) to detail methodological approaches; and 4) to provide practical experience using Cochrane Reviews for RR development.
Description: In small groups, participants will be presented with an real-life emergent public health issue as prepared by the European Satellite of the Cochrane Public Health Group, requiring a timely decision and asked to address this issue using a RR approach either from the perspective of a health authority, or from the vantage point of a team developing a RR protocol. Participants will consider question development, recommend an appropriate search strategy and selection criteria including the incorporation of Cochrane Reviews, data analysis, type and feasibility of syntheses, potential biases, internal and external validity. In addition, we will explore logistical considerations, report layout and customization, transparency, and communication of policy implications to decision makers. Participants will understand issues involved in the conduct of RRs to inform urgent public health decisions and how RRs fit into the spectrum of review methods.