Guidelines for conducting a rapid review in psychology research : a literature review

Abstract

Rapid reviews are exponentially growing to inform policymakers, healthcare systems, and healthcare workers, as this review type informs all stakeholders within short time frames. In addition, it is noted that rapid reviews fast-track the traditional systematic review methodology. Various guidelines to conduct rapid reviews are prevalent. However, there is disagreement on the methodological practices employed within rapid reviews. Furthermore, no clear guidelines to conduct rapid reviews within psychology research are prevalent. This literature review study aimed to propose guidelines regarding rapid reviews that can be utilised for psychology research. This research study utilised literature review steps to propose guidelines for conducting a rapid review within psychology research. The literature review steps as suggested by Onwuegbuzie and Frels (2012) included: Step 1) selecting the topic and exploring beliefs, Step 2) searching for literature and focusing the search, Step 3) selecting and deselecting relevant literature, Step 4) expanding the literature search to include additional sources, Step 5) summarising, storing literature and additional sources, Step 6) analysing and synthesising the literature and additional sources, and finally Step 7) presenting the literature review findings. The research study included scientific literature that focused on rapid review methodology within the sphere of psychology research. Thematic analysis was used to synthesise all relevant literature. The findings are presented in research article format in alignment with the North-West University Academic guidelines (Manual for Master's and Doctoral Studies). Furthermore, the article is intended for possible publishing in the Journal of Psychology in Africa (JPA). From the data analysis, the following eight themes emerged

that provided the guidelines to conduct a rapid review in psychology research; Theme 1) stating the aim of the review and formulating the research question; Theme 2) setting the eligibility criteria and in- and exclusion criteria; Theme 3) formulating the search strategy; Theme 4) screening and selection of literature; Theme 5) extraction of data from included literature; Theme 6) quality and risk of bias assessment of included literature; Theme 7) synthesis and analysis of the included literature; Theme 8) stating the limitations of the review. The findings can be utilised in future as guidelines when conducting rapid reviews within the field of psychology research. Furthermore, the guidelines could enhance the integrity, rigour, and methodological soundness when rapid synthesis of literature is conducted.