STEP 6 – RAPID REVIEW REPORT STRUCTURE
This step provides guidance on writing a report of your literature review findings and
translating the implications for Peel Public Health.
The report follows a 1:2:20 page format, which should be completed in the following
order:
o The full report describing the literature findings up to 20 pages
o The executive summary (1-2 pages double spaced)
o Four to six key messages (1 page)
We encourage you to be succinct and think carefully about the implications of the
research in our local setting.
Style
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conversational tone, not dry or dull
short sentences
plain language with minimal jargon
goal: our colleagues will want to read it
use RefWorks and Write and Cite
EVIDENCE-INFORMED DECISION MAKING:
RAPID REVIEW REPORT STRUCTURE
When to Use This Guide:
This literature review report guide should be used in the early stages of a public health
issue assessment. It can be used to report on the rapid review results during the
Program Planning and Evaluation process, or to report on rapid reviews that need to be
carried out for other purposes.
Peel Public Health is a service organization, not an academic institution. We want you
to get to the heart of the matter when conducting your rapid reviews; as such, we
strongly encourage you to communicate your findings within a 20 page limit. This
requires you to ensure your research question is specific and well-defined.
For public health issues that are broad or complex, the rapid review process may be
broken down into a series of “technical reports,” which investigate different aspects of
the issue. These reports should also follow the 1:2:20 format. However, a consolidated
report may also be provided. We recommend that this consist of the technical reports
with summary and introductory chapters.
Format: the text within the 1:2:20 should be double-spaced with 12 point font and 2.5
cm margins.
1 Page: Key Messages
Purpose: To provide 4 to 6 key messages that translate the research implications to
public health practice. Each message should only be 1 to 2 sentences long.
Audience: The Medical Officer of Health and AMOH’s, and Director.
Structure: Include a maximum of 6 bullet points. This is the “So What” synopsis. The
main messages should not be a shorter summary of the executive summary. Rather
than a review of the findings, the main messages are an interpretation of what the
findings mean to the public health issue. This is your opportunity to judge the research
and apply it to local practice. Write this section last.
2 Pages: Executive Summary
Purpose: To provide a brief 1 to 2 page overview of your review for decision makers.
Audience: Senior-level decision makers, including Managers and Directors.
Structure: Provide a brief overview of the research question, context, methods,
synthesis of key findings, and conclusions. Plan for about 3 sentences for each section.
Write this section after the full 20 page report.
20 Pages: Full Report
Purpose: To provide a concise report of the rapid review process, findings, and
implications within a 20 page limit.
Audience: All levels of staff and management.
Structure: The report structure should follow the format below. This is a guide, and you
may want to combine some headings or add others depending on your topic. Keep the
purpose of carrying out the research in mind; reflect on the findings and what they mean
for public health. Frame your analysis and findings in a way that helps inform your
practice question.
1. Issue
 Summarize the issue (problem statement) being investigated in the literature. (1
to 2 pages*)
2. Context
 Provide the background and context within which the public health issue evolved.
(1 to 3 pages)
a) Anecdote: A real-world story to illustrate the issue can help bring the research
question to life. Who is affected? How is the issue impacting the public or staff
who are delivering services?
3. Literature Review
a) Question: Clearly state the research question. Begin with a plain language
statement. If appropriate, follow the PICO(T) format. However, some questions
may be structured using another format. For example, a search for theoretical
models to support your program initiative might not be PICO structured. (1/2
page)
b) Search Strategy: Outline the search terms, databases used, and
inclusion/exclusion criteria (1/2 page). State where the studies fall within the
pyramid of evidence. A flow chart summarizing the results of the search may be
included as an appendix. (1/2 page)
c) Critical Appraisal: Identify the tools used for critical appraisal. (Only include
research which has been critically appraised) (4 to 6 pages)
d) Synthesis of Findings: Interpret the findings and develop practice
recommendations. Subsections may be needed to categorize the findings.
critically appraised. For synthesis, present the research in a data extraction table.
This will be included in the appendix.
e) Adaptibility & Transferability: How applicable are your findings to the local
context. What are the policy and program implications? What are the internal
and external factors that could impact the application of your findings? Refer to
the applicability & transferability worksheet to develop this section. (2 to 5
pages)
f) Recommendations: Based on the evidence, and the applicability and
transferability assessment, outline your recommendations. This may include
next steps. Include suggestions for disseminating the findings to internal and/or
external stakeholders, as appropriate. (1 to 3 pages)
4. References / Endnotes / Bibliography
 References in the report should not be presented in the body of the text or the
foot of the page; instead, use the “uniform requirements for manuscripts
submitted to biomedical journals” format to generate a reference list. This format
can be generated using RefWorks and Write and Cite.
 References do not constitute part of the 20 page limit, but they should not exceed
3 pages.
 Specialists are encouraged to use RefWorks to generate the bibliography.
(3 pages)
5. Appendices
a) Conceptual Model: A one page conceptual model mapping the results of the
rapid review can provide a quick overview of a complex topic area.
b) Overview of the Search Process: Include a flowchart summarizing the rapid
review search results. (overview of the search process).
c) Data Extraction Table: Include the table of findings from the critical appraisal of
the research. RefWorks may assist with this process.
* The number of pages per section is meant as a guide; use your own judgement.
References:
1. Reader-friendly writing - 1:3:25 | resources | knowledge exchange | Canadian Health
Services Research Foundation. [cited 21/09/2009]. Available from:
http://www.chsrf.ca/knowledge_transfer/communication_notes/comm_reader_friendly
_writing_e.php.
2. Executive training for research application: Intervention project and mentoring guide.
Canadian health services Research Foundation. April 21, 2009. Available from
www.chsrf.ca/extra.