The Science Evidence Review team was set up in January 2023 within the Knowledge and Library Services (KLS) to support evidence synthesis needs within UKHSA’s Science group, mainly by producing rapid reviews.
What is a rapid review?
Rapid reviews are a type of evidence review which use streamlined systematic review methods to allow a product to be delivered in a shorter timescale. They involve scoping, protocol development, literature searching, screening, data extraction, critical appraisal and synthesis of the relevant evidence in order to answer a specific question.
Our rapid reviews, co-produced by reviewers from the Science Evidence Review team and information specialists, follow transparent and robust methods defined in a protocol before the review work starts.
We also apply our streamlined methodology to conduct rapid scoping reviews and rapid mapping reviews.
You can read more about the different evidence reviews on our systematic reviews page.
Can I ask for a rapid review to be produced?
Rapid reviews, or methodological support to conduct your own evidence review, can be requested through our internal online request form. This is a service for UKHSA staff only.
There are 2 evidence review teams within UKHSA: the Science Evidence Review team primarily support evidence synthesis needs within UKHSA’s Science group, and the Clinical and Public Health Response (CPHR) Evidence Review team primarily support the Clinical and Public Health group and incident response. Requests from other groups are triaged between the 2 teams.
All requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis, and those accepted will be prioritised based on staff capacity and UKHSA strategic objectives.
Timeframes to produce a rapid review in the Science Evidence Review team vary from 2 to 4 months.
What rapid reviews are currently available?
The rapid reviews produced by the Science Evidence Review team and the CPHR Evidence Review team are available from UKHSA evidence reviews [link opens in new page] on GOV.UK.
