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Integration of Existing Systematic Reviews

White Paper Jun 23, 2014
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Structured Abstract

Background

Exponential increase in the number of systematic reviews published, and constrained resources for new reviews, means that there is an urgent need for guidance on explicitly and transparently integrating existing reviews into systematic reviews. The objectives of this paper are: (1) to identify areas where existing guidance may be adopted or adapted, and (2) to suggest areas for future guidance development.

Methods

We searched documents and Web sites from systematic review organizations to identify and, where available, summarize relevant guidance on the use of existing systematic reviews. We conducted informational interviews with members of Evidence-based Practice Centers (EPCs) to gather experiences in integrating existing systematic reviews, including common issues and challenges, as well as potential solutions.

Results

There was consensus among systematic review organizations and the EPCs about some aspects of incorporating existing systematic reviews. However, areas of challenge remain. Areas in need of guidance include how to synthesize, grade the strength of, and present bodies of evidence composed of primary studies and existing systematic reviews.

Conclusions

There remain areas of uncertainty for how to integrate existing systematic reviews. Methods research along with future EPC program methods workgroups are needed to address these challenges.

Journal Publications

Robinson KA, Whitlock EP, O'Neil ME, et al. Integration of existing systematic reviews into new reviews: identification of guidance needs. Systematic Reviews. 2014, 3:60 (23 June 2014) doi:10.1186/2046-4053-3-60

Project Timeline

Integration of Existing Systematic Reviews

Jun 23, 2014
Topic Initiated
Jun 23, 2014
White Paper
Page last reviewed November 2017
Page originally created November 2017

Internet Citation: White Paper: Integration of Existing Systematic Reviews. Content last reviewed November 2017. Effective Health Care Program, Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, Rockville, MD.
https://effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/products/systematic-review-integration/white-paper

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