Table 4 Evidence table on identified guidance for reporting LSRs with narrative summary of extracted data

(1)Title

N = 2/6

• Transition to and out of living mode must be recognized in the title, responsible parties must be informed [3]

• Additional information regarding the indication of an update or “living” SR approach must be provided in the title [4]

(2)Abstract

N = 1/6

• Abstract must indicate identification as an LSR; updated search results must be reported [3]

Introduction

(3) Rationale (N = 1/6)

• Rational for the LSR approach: Previous updates must be mentioned [3]

(4) Objective (N = 1/6)

• Previously performed updates must be mentioned [3]

Methods

(5) Eligibility criteria (N = 1/6)

• Remain the same as for standard SRs [3]

(6) Information sources (N = 1/6)

• Accurate reporting is necessary, including the PRISMA flow diagram [3]

(7) Search strategy (N = 1/6)

• Must be specified and reported in the protocol [3]

(8) Selection process (N = 1/6)

• Report whether any new citations retrieved by the monthly searches was immediately screened; using technical support tools [3]

(9) Data collection process (N = 0/6)^a

(10) Data items (N = 0/6)^a

(11) Study risk of bias assessment (N = 1/6)

• Report the use of machine learning and automated structured data extraction tools [3]

(12) Effect measure (N = 0/6)^a

(13) Synthesis methods (N = 2/6)

• Specify statistical methods used to correct type 1 and 2 errors [27]

• Enables for data synthesis [3]

(14) Reporting bias assessment (N = 0/6)^a

(15) Certainty assessment (N = 0/6)^a

Results

(16) Study selection (N = 1/6)

• Record in detail the search results, a spreadsheet is recommended. Present either the results of the base and updates separately, all combined or only the updated versions combined [11]

(17) Study characteristics (N = 0/6)^a

(18) Present risk of bias in studies (N = 0/6)^a

(19) Present results of individual studies (N = 0/6)^a

(20) Results of synthesis (N = 0/6)^a

(21) Reporting bias (N = 0/6)^a

(22) Certainty of evidence (N = 0/6)^a

Discussion (23)

(23a) General interpretation (N = 0/6)^a

(23bc) Limitations (N = 0/6)^a

(23d) Implications for practice (N = 0/6)^a

Registration and protocol (24)

N = 3/6

• Justify the use of the “living” format in their protocol and mention pre-established criteria to abandon the “living” format for the conventional method [27]

• Based on SR protocol [29] and the use of a template on how to create protocol [3]

Support and funding (25)

N = 0/6^a

Competing interests (26)

N = 1/6

• Role of each work group member and their COI should be transparent [21]

Availability of data & material (27)

N = 0/6^a