Perspectives on racial and ethnic health equity in systematic reviews and evidence-based guidelines

Abstract

Evidence synthesis and guideline groups have the potential to address health disparities. In June 2024, the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJF) cosponsored a summit to address racial and ethnic health equity in systematic reviews and other syntheses and guidelines, with support from Cochrane US. This article summarizes cross-cutting themes around future directions for systematic reviews and guidelines. Discussions addressed include the rationale for addressing racial health equity in systematic reviews and guidelines; representation of people with lived experience in systematic reviews and guidelines; approaches to developing and addressing equity-focused scope, including frameworks, methods, and thoughtful interpretation in systematic reviews; challenges and opportunities for guideline recommendations; need for standardized language and reporting for race and ethnicity in primary research studies, systematic reviews, and guidelines; and measures to track the progress of incorporating and addressing racial and ethnic health equity in systematic reviews and guidelines. Participants acknowledged that a one-size-fits-all approach was not possible or desired. Consensus priorities for next steps were to develop methods guidance to address equity in systematic reviews and guidelines; develop measures to track the progress of addressing racial and health equity in systematic reviews and guidelines; operationalize engaging representative interest holders in systematic reviews and guidelines; and share resources and learning for advancing health equity.