Nominating a topic for the VA Evidence Synthesis Program

    

Would an independent and rigorous review of the scientific literature help your office plan or implement a program, develop a guideline or directive, make a health policy decision, or inform future research needs? The Evidence Synthesis Program (ESP) is soliciting nominations from VHA leadership for review topics for FY 2021. The ESP offers a range of products from rapid review evidence briefs to full systematic reviews, tailored to the needs of decision-makers. Because of high demand and limited resources, review topics are prioritized based on the following criteria:

• Topic nominated by system-level leadership: the proposed evidence review will be incorporated into health system decision-making and is likely to make a significant impact (eg, clinical guidelines, VHA Directive, formulary guidance, resource allocation, or research agenda development).
• Significant issue for VHA: Nomination addresses a high-priority national goal with a clear plan for a rapid uptake of the evidence synthesis findings (into the development of clinical guidelines, VHA Directives, performance measures, educational programs, coverage policies, or other strategies for improving the quality of health care services).
• Not duplicative: the topic is not already covered by an available or soon-to-be available high-quality systematic review by AHRQ or others.
• Feasible: published literature (eg, RCTs, observational studies, systematic reviews) is available to address proposed research questions(s).
• Engaged operational partner: nominator of the proposed review has been responsive and engaged during the topic development phase and has provided timely input regarding the proposed scope and is willing to assess the impact of the proposed ESP review.

Nominations are accepted by downloading the PDF version of the form. Once completed please email the form to esp.cc@va.gov.

Once received, the ESP Coordinating Center (ESP CC) will contact you to inform you of the status of your request. If your nomination is prioritized for development, we will work with you to determine the feasibility of a review on your proposed topic, refine the scope of the proposed review, craft a set of preliminary key questions, and develop a proposal to be approved for funding by HSR&D leadership. If approved, your nomination may be assigned to one of our ESP Centers for the next assignment cycle.

The standard systematic review generally takes nine months to complete. If your need is more urgent, please state that in the nomination form. We have limited capacity for rapid products and may accommodate this once we learn more about your needs.

As an operational partner of an assigned review, you will be involved in the ESP review process in a variety of ways. Please refer to this document for further information.

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