A rapid review is conducted as an alternative to a systematic review, a rapid review follows the same methods and protocols as a systematic review, although components can be simplified and can be omitted if required. The timeframe for conducting a rapid review is considerably less than a systematic review.
Search is not as comprehensive
There may only be one reviewer.
Possible non-blinded appraisal and selection
Limited/cautious interpretation of the findings
Limitations and potential biases when omitting components of the review process.
Can impact policy and practice but systematic reviews are still needed.
(Source: Cochrane: Rapid Reviews-An Introduction (2014))
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