A Systematic Review of the Methods Used in Rapid Approaches to Research and Evaluation

Rapid approaches are essential when resources are limited and when findings are required in real-time to inform decisions. Limitations exist in their design and implementation, which can lead to a reduced level of trust in findings. This review sought to map the methods used across rapid evaluations and research to facilitate timeliness and support the rigour of studies. Four scientific databases and one search engine were searched between 11-16th August 2022. Screening led to the inclusion of 169 articles that provided a much-needed repository of methods that can be used during the design and implementation of rapid studies to improve their trustworthiness. No reporting guidelines specific to rapid research or evaluation were identified in the literature, we therefore suggest that this repository of methods informs the development of transparent reporting standards for future rapid research and evaluation.