Living systematic reviews are a relatively new approach to keeping the evidence in systematic reviews current by frequent surveillance and updating. The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality’s Evidence-based Practice Center Program commissioned a living systematic review of plant-based treatments for chronic pain management. A prior white paper described challenges and practical and methodological considerations encountered during the first year of the living review. The current report builds and expands upon the prior white paper, with additional observations and experiences from the second year. This white paper focuses on four key issues encountered in year two of the living systematic review: (1) adapting or expanding review scope; (2) optimizing living review reports’ frequency and format; (3) utilizing ongoing input from experts; and (4) using data visualization and innovative methods to complement the living review reports.

Chou R, Ahmed AY, Iyer S, Morasco BJ, Bougatsos C, Kansagara D. Living Systematic Reviews: Practical Considerations for Adapting Scope and Communicating the Evolving Evidence. White Paper. (Prepared by the Pacific Northwest Evidence-based Practice Center under Contract No. 75Q80120D00006.) AHRQ Publication No. 23-EHC013. Rockville, MD: Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality; September 2022. DOI: https://doi.org/10.23970/AHRQEPCWHITEPAPERADAPTING. Posted final reports are located on the Effective Health Care Program search page.