Frameworks for Determining Research Gaps During Systematic Reviews

Robinson KA, Saldanha IJ, Mckoy NA. Frameworks for determining research gaps during systematic reviews. Methods Future Research Needs Report No. 2. (Prepared by the Johns Hopkins University Evidence-based Practice Center under Contract No. HHSA 290-2007-10061-I.) AHRQ Publication No. 11-EHC043-EF. Rockville, MD: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality. June 2011. Available at: www.effectivehealthcare.ahrq.gov/reports/final.cfm.

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Description

This review provides a framework for identifying research gaps by examining evidence-based practice centres and organizations that conduct systematic reviews. The report finds that there is no formal process for identifying research gaps in systematic reviews; organizations largely use the PICO framework as a method of identifying research gaps. Based on these findings, the review provides a breakdown of the PICO framework with a worksheet to help users identify and organize research gaps.

Steps for Using Method/Tool

The framework guides users through two major components:

  1. Identification and classification of the reasons why the research gap exists:
  • Choose the most important reason(s) for the research gap.
  • Select the reason(s) that prevent conclusions about the evidence from being made.
  • Classify the reasons for the research gap.
  1. Characterization of the research gap using the PICOS elements

These summaries are written by the NCCMT to condense and to provide an overview of the resources listed in the Registry of Methods and Tools and to give suggestions for their use in a public health context. For more information on individual methods and tools included in the review, please consult the authors/developers of the original resources.

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