Rapid Knowledge Syntheses: Methodological and Practical Considerations

ABSTRACT

Approaches to knowledge synthesis have evolved over recent decades to satisfy diverse requirements for evidence and inform the rapidly changing healthcare environment. During the COVID-19 pandemic, demands for responsive evidence have intensified and research teams are being increasingly challenged to deliver timely, relevant, and trustworthy data to guide healthcare planning and practice. Rapid reviews are a form of knowledge synthesis that utilize an accelerated review process, typically by streamlining or omitting specific steps. Rapid reviews are becoming more frequently used due to their ability to respond to urgent evidence needs. In this article, we introduce knowledge synthesis approaches and examine the practical aspects of rapid reviews, drawing specifically on the rapid realist review approach. We continue by identifying how rapid review processes may prove useful to those engaged in cardiovascular nursing care and research, highlighting some of their advantages, disadvantages, and potential applications.