Recommendations for Data Extraction in Occupational Epidemiological Systematic Reviews

Title Recommendations for Data Extraction in Occupational Epidemiological Systematic Reviews

Abstract

Introduction High quality data extraction is essential for facilitating a structured overview of existing evidence. Therefore, the collection of data should be done systematically by extracting the similar information on predefined key aspects from the identified studies.

The aim of our subgroup work was to formulate recommendations for data extraction of observational studies for occupational epidemiological systematic reviews. This work is part of the “Good Practice Recommendations for Occupational Epidemiological Systematic Reviews” working group.

Methods Based on the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions, we derived recommendations on an informal consensus process within our group building on expertise in occupational epidemiology and experience in conducting systematic reviews.

Results We designed a generic data extraction form with the recommended requirements for collecting data of observational studies for occupational epidemiological systematic reviews. Further, we give instructions to fill the extraction form.

Conclusion Our recommendations provide the basis for a systematic data collection in the field of occupational epidemiology. Since the design of the data extraction form depends on the review question, this form can be expanded accordingly.

Publication History

Article published online:
22 August 2023