Downloads provided by UsageCounts
pmid: 37260612
pmc: PMC10227668
Objectives: To provide a step-by-step, easy-to-understand, practical guide for systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies.Methods: A multidisciplinary team of researchers with extensive experience in observational studies and systematic review and meta-analysis was established. Previous guidelines in evidence synthesis were considered.Results: There is inherent variability in observational study design, population, and analysis, making evidence synthesis challenging. We provided a framework and discussed basic meta-analysis concepts to assist reviewers in making informed decisions. We also explained several statistical tools for dealing with heterogeneity, probing for bias, and interpreting findings. Finally, we briefly discussed issues and caveats for translating results into clinical and public health recommendations. Our guideline complements “A 24-step guide on how to design, conduct, and successfully publish a systematic review and meta-analysis in medical research” and addresses peculiarities for observational studies previously unexplored.Conclusion: We provided 7 steps to synthesize evidence from observational studies. We encourage medical and public health practitioners who answer important questions to systematically integrate evidence from observational studies and contribute evidence-based decision-making in health sciences.
cohort studies, Public Health Archive, systematic review and meta analysis, cross-sectional studies, cohort studies; cross-sectional studies; evidence-based approach; observational study; systematic review and meta-analysis, observational study, Public aspects of medicine, RA1-1270, evidence based approach, systematic review and meta-analysis, evidence-based approach
cohort studies, Public Health Archive, systematic review and meta analysis, cross-sectional studies, cohort studies; cross-sectional studies; evidence-based approach; observational study; systematic review and meta-analysis, observational study, Public aspects of medicine, RA1-1270, evidence based approach, systematic review and meta-analysis, evidence-based approach
| selected citations These citations are derived from selected sources. This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | 46 | |
| popularity This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network. | Top 1% | |
| influence This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically). | Top 10% | |
| impulse This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network. | Top 1% |
| views | 6 | |
| downloads | 8 |

Views provided by UsageCounts
Downloads provided by UsageCounts