Deciding if and where to use rapid methods in qualitative research Rapid reviews are a type of literature review product that is adapted from a systematic review by using an accelerated and more streamlined methodology. This training package includes guidance on how to conduct rapid reviews in practice with supplementary materials for optional reading. At the end, there is also a small collection of databases for reference.
Key learning objectives include:
differentiating rapid reviews from systematic reviews and other evidence synthesis methodologies;
understanding the steps involved in undertaking a rapid review;
describing how rapid reviews can vary in scope and methodology.
Conducting rapid reviews
The text resource below is a step by step guide with an accompanying webinar on the process of conducting a rapid review. The webinar resource presents insights from the Ottawa Hospital Research Institute (OHRI) on their experiences conducting rapid reviews and a discussion on the challenges, opportunities and lessons learned.
|
Topic |
Source |
Title |
Format |
Duration |
Cost and access |
|
Steps for rapid reviews |
National Collaborating Centre for Methods and Tools/McMaster University |
Rapid review guidebook - steps for conducting a rapid review
|
Text |
2–3 hours |
Free, no login required |
|
Rapid reviews in practice |
Cochrane Collaboration |
Webinar |
1 hour |
Free, no login required |
Supplementary materials
All supplementary materials are optional. The below presents a comprehensive text resource that directs readers to specific sections that are relevant to them. This resource is supported by the 2 webinars, also listed below.
|
Topics Covered |
Source |
Title |
Style |
Estimated Duration |
Cost & Access |
|
Steps for rapid reviews |
Alliance for Health Policy and Systems Research (AHPSR) |
Rapid Reviews to Strengthen Health Policy and Systems: A practical guide |
Text |
2-3 hours |
Free, no login required |
|
Cochrane Collaboration |
Webinar |
45 minutes |
Free, no login required |
||
|
Cochrane Collaboration |
Webinar |
45 minutes |
Free, no login required |
||
|
Using a variety of examples of fast and slow qualitative research this talk explores the affordances of rapid methods, and help researchers decide if and where to use them in their own work. |
Centre for Evidence-Based Medicine/University of Oxford |
Speedy or sloppy?: The opportunities and challenges of rapid qualitative research |
Podcast |
50 minutes |
Free |
|
Introduction to rapid qualitative evidence synthesis |
Cochrane Collaboration |
Webinar |
1 hour |
Free |
Databases and supporting materials
The below references are primarily databases that can be searched for policy relevant evidence, some of these have supporting materials which are also found in the below list.
|
Source |
Title |
Format |
Cost and access |
|
AHPSR collaboration |
|
Database |
Free, no login required |
|
Cochrane Effective Practice and Organisation of Care |
Database support material |
Free, no login required |
|
|
EVIPNet/McMaster University |
Database |
Free, no login required |
|
|
EVIPNet/SURE Collaboration |
Database |
Free, no login required |
|
|
International Initiative for Impact Evaluation (3ie) |
Database |
Free, no login required |
|
|
McMaster University |
Health systems evidence: summary of key features and functions |
Database support material |
Free, no login required |
|
McMaster University |
Database support material |
Free, no login required |
|
|
McMaster University |
Database support material |
Free, no login required |
|
|
The European Commission Joint Research Centre |
Database |
Free, no login required |
|
|
WHO |
Hinari Access to Research for Health programme |
Database |
Free, no login required |
|
WHO Regional Office for the Eastern Mediterranean |
The Index Medicus for the Eastern Mediterranean Region (IMEMR) |
Database |
Free, no login required |