Since the COVID-19 outbreak, the number of studies using rapid reviews (RR) for rapid evidence-based decision-making has been increasing. RR can significantly improve the timeliness of evidence and play an important role in decision making. To clarify the definition of RR and standardize its application, the Cochrane RR Methodology Group defined RR in 2021 and published the evidence-based guidelines for RR methodology. To promote researchers' understanding of RR, standardize the application of RR methodology, and improve the overall quality of this type of research, this paper introduced the development history of RR and interpreted the definition, characteristics and methodological content of RR.
