Rapid ACCE: experience with a rapid and structured approach for evaluating gene-based testing.
OBJECTIVE
To present the rapid-ACCE model and report our early experience of using the ACCE structure to guide systematic reviews for the rapid evaluation of emerging genetic tests.


METHODS
A rapid-ACCE review uses the same 44 questions that were developed for the full-ACCE model to guide the conduct of systematic review. We combined published literature with unpublished data to estimate test performance and input from experts to help clarify qualitative issues. As questions were answered, gaps in knowledge were identified and articulated. The draft review was then sent to outside reviewers whose comments were incorporated into the final document.


RESULTS
We conducted two reviews, both of which were completed in 6 months or less (averaging about 100 hours of primary analyst time), within modest budgets. In addition to defining the current state of knowledge about the tests, the identified gaps are expected to help define the research agendas. Both collaborating experts and study sponsors valued both the process and outcomes from the reviews.


CONCLUSIONS
Based on our early experiences, it is possible to conduct rapid systematic reviews within the ACCE structure of some emerging genetic tests to produce summaries of available evidence and identification of gaps.
Clinical Genetics Institute, Intermountain Healthcare, Salt Lake City, Utah 84103, USA. Jim.Gudgeon@intermountainmail.org
James M
JM
Gudgeon
Monica R
MR
McClain
Glenn E
GE
Palomaki
Marc S
MS
Williams
D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005820:Genetic Testing; D015894:Genome, Human; D017408:Guidelines as Topic; D006801:Humans; D008962:Models, Theoretical