Methodological guidance for incorporating equity when informing rapid-policy and guideline development

J Clin Epidemiol. 2022 Oct:150:142-153. doi: 10.1016/j.jclinepi.2022.07.007. Epub 2022 Jul 19.

Abstract

Objectives: We provide guidance for considering equity in rapid reviews through examples of published COVID-19 rapid reviews.

Study design and setting: This guidance was developed based on a series of methodological meetings, review of internationally renowned guidance such as the Cochrane Handbook and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis for equity-focused systematic reviews (PRISMA-Equity) guideline. We identified Exemplar rapid reviews by searching COVID-19 databases and requesting examples from our team.

Results: We proposed the following key steps: 1. involve relevant stakeholders with lived experience in the conduct and design of the review; 2. reflect on equity, inclusion and privilege in team values and composition; 3. develop research question to assess health inequities; 4. conduct searches in relevant disciplinary databases; 5. collect data and critically appraise recruitment, retention and attrition for populations experiencing inequities; 6. analyse evidence on equity; 7. evaluate the applicability of findings to populations experiencing inequities; and 8. adhere to reporting guidelines for communicating review findings. We illustrated these methods through rapid review examples.

Conclusion: Implementing this guidance could contribute to improving equity considerations in rapid reviews produced in public health emergencies, and help policymakers better understand the distributional impact of diseases on the population.

Keywords: Equity; Guidance; Guideline development; Policy; Rapid reviews; Stakeholder engagement.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • COVID-19* / epidemiology
  • Databases, Factual
  • Health Equity*
  • Humans
  • Policy
  • Public Health