AUTHOR=Glisic Marija , Raguindin Peter Francis , Gemperli Armin , Taneri Petek Eylul , Salvador Dante Jr. , Voortman Trudy , Marques Vidal Pedro , Papatheodorou Stefania I. , Kunutsor Setor K. , Bano Arjola , Ioannidis John P. A. , Muka Taulant 

TITLE=A 7-Step Guideline for Qualitative Synthesis and Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies in Health Sciences

JOURNAL=Public Health Reviews

VOLUME=Volume 44 - 2023

YEAR=2023

URL=https://www.ssph-journal.org/journals/public-health-reviews/articles/10.3389/phrs.2023.1605454

DOI=10.3389/phrs.2023.1605454

ISSN=2107-6952

ABSTRACT=Observational studies comprise the majority of published papers in the literature available for evidence synthesis. Yet, inherent variability in observational study design, population, and analysis pose threats from bias in primary studies from selective reporting and availability of results—enduring challenges for evidence synthesis. To address these challenges, we provide a step-by-step, easy-to-understand, practical guide for systematic review and meta-analysis of observational studies. Our guideline provides reviewers a foundation for decision-making when designing, registering, conducting, and reporting systematic reviews of observational evidence. To assist reviewers in making an informed decision, we provide models and discuss basic meta-analysis concepts. We also explain several statistical tools for dealing with heterogeneity, probing for bias, and interpreting findings. Finally, we briefly discuss issues and caveats for translating results into clinical and public health recommendations. When used in tandem with our previous guidelines, it complements and addresses peculiarities for observational studies previously unexplored. Our guidelines encourage medical and public health practitioners who answer important questions to systematically integrate evidence from observational studies and contribute evidence-based decision-making in medicine and public health.