Work

A Study Within a Review (SWAR) to characterise rationales, methodological streamlining, and reporting guidance in published rapid reviews in health [Registered Report - stage I]

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Background and Objectives Rapid reviews are widely used to produce timely evidence for health and policy decisions, yet considerable heterogeneity exists in how they are justified, conducted, and reported. This study aims to characterize, across a stratified random sample of recently published rapid reviews in health, the rationales for choosing a rapid review approach, the methodological streamlining strategies employed, and the reporting guidance or checklists referenced or reported as followed. Study Design and Setting This is a prospectively registered study within a review (SWAR), a methodological design that treats published evidence syntheses as the data source. Eligible rapid reviews will be identified from MEDLINE (Ovid), Embase, the Cochrane Database, and Epistemonikos, restricted to publications from January 2025 onward. If more than 150 eligible reviews are identified, a random sample of 150 will be selected, stratified by year and broad review type. Methods We will screen records and extract data using a piloted, structured extraction form organized around three domains: rationale for conducting a rapid review; methodological streamlining strategies mapped against key review stages; and reporting guidance cited. Findings will be summarized using descriptive statistics and a structured narrative synthesis. Exploratory analyses will examine the frequency of core transparency items by year and review type. Conclusion This SWAR will provide a focused, empirically grounded characterization of recent rapid review practice across rationale, methods, and reporting. Findings are intended to inform future guidance development, support training, and establish a benchmark for monitoring changes in the conduct of rapid reviews and transparency.

Source: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology

DOI: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2026.112402

Authors: Ireland Scott, Declan Devane, Sakshi Sharma, KM Saif-Ur-Rahman

Institutions: Ollscoil na Gaillimhe – University of Galway, Trials Methodology Research Network

Language: English

Topic: Meta-analysis and systematic reviews

Subfield: Statistics, Probability and Uncertainty

Field: Decision Sciences

Domain: Social Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: hybrid

Estimated APC paid: $4,210