Skip to Main Content

Rapid Review

There are several steps involved in the completion of a Rapid Review. The following guide to the Rapid Review process provides a summary of the key steps that are involved.

Data Extraction

After finalising the list of studies to be included in the review, the next step is to extract the relevant data. Data extraction entails collecting and documenting key characteristics and results from the included studies. As part of the review protocol, a data extraction plan should be developed, including a draft extraction form. 

Data items typically extracted include:

  • Study details (author, year, title)
  • Population characteristics
  • Interventions and comparators
  • Outcomes measured
  • Study design and methods
  • Results and key findings

This step can be simplified in rapid reviews by extracting only the most relevant data.

Cochrane in its updated advice has the following recommendations for data extraction in Rapid Reviews

Data extraction
10 Limit data extraction to only the most important data fields relevant to address the review question
11 For data extraction, employ a piloting exercise to allow team members to test this task on a small proportion of records to ensure that all team members perform it consistently and correctly
12 Have one person extract the data, and for critical data that can affect the results or conclusions, have a second person verify the data for accuracy and completeness
13 When available, extract data directly from existing systematic reviews rather than from primary studies

Adapted from Table 1 in Garritty, C., Hamel, C., Trivella, M., Gartlehner, G., Nussbaumer-Streit, B., Devane, D., Kamel, C., Griebler, U. and King, V.J., 2024a. Updated recommendations for the Cochrane rapid review methods guidance for rapid reviews of effectiveness. BMJ : British Medical Journal (Online), 384 

A Data Extraction Form can be a useful tool to support the process. Cochrane Collaboration provides a customizable template that you can adapt to meet your specific needs.

Data Extraction Form for the Cochrane Review Group