HEDS is part of the School of Health and Related Research (ScHARR) at the University of Sheffield. We undertake research, teaching, training and consultancy on all aspects of health related decision science, with a particular emphasis on health economics, HTA and evidence synthesis.

Monday 15 July 2019

New publication in Journal of Clinical Epidemiology - Delphi consensus reached to produce a decision tool for SelecTing Approaches for Rapid Reviews (STARR)


Abdullor Pandor of HEDS and ScHARR co-authors Eva Kaltenthaler, Marrissa Martyn-St James, RuthWong, Katy Cooper, Munya Dimairo, Alicia O'Cathain, Fiona Campbell, Andrew Booth have developed the STARR decision tool for conducting rapid reviews. 

Until 24th August 2019 their article can be freely downloaded via this Share Link

Delphi consensus reached to produce a decision tool for SelecTing Approaches for Rapid Reviews (STARR)

Objectives

There are many rapid review methods; however, there is little pragmatic guidance on which methods to select. This study aimed to reach consensus among international rapid review experts outlining areas to consider when selecting approaches for rapid reviews.

Study Design and Setting

A two-round modified online Delphi survey was conducted between May and July 2018. Participants were asked to rank the importance of a predefined list of 19 items. A consensus definition of at least 70% agreement for each item was decided a priori.

Results

Thirty experts from ten countries participated in round 1 and 24 in round 2. During round 1, consensus was reached on all items. One additional item on quality assessment was suggested by respondents and comments suggested wording changes to improve clarity and understanding of the tool. Respondents in the second round indicated a high level of importance and all 20 items achieved consensus. These items addressed interaction with commissioners, scoping and searching the evidence-base, data extraction and synthesis methods, and reporting of rapid review methods.

Conclusion

International consensus was reached to produce the SelecTing Approaches for Rapid Reviews (STARR) decision tool for planning rapid reviews and will lead to improved shared understanding between review teams and review commissioners.

Additional resources including the STARR tool and user guide can also be found at: https://www.sheffield.ac.uk/scharr/sections/heds/sys_rev/rapid