Published: 11-06-2026 16:33 | Updated: 11-06-2026 16:33
New IMM report: Systematic reviews and meta-analyses of epidemiological studies in environmental research
The aim of a systematic review is to summarize the currently available evidence for a given research question. In addition, meta-analysis is often used to statistically combine results from multiple studies. This report provides a methodological guidance for conducting systematic reviews and meta-analyses in environmental epidemiology, with a particular focus on etiological research questions.
The report outlines the following key steps in the systematic review workflow:
- Formulating the research question using the PI/ECOTSS framework (Population, Intervention/Exposure, Comparator, Outcome, Timing, Setting, Study design)
- Developing a review protocol in accordance with PRISMA-P guidelines
- Conducting a systematic literature search using structured and reproducible strategies
- Screening and selecting studies for inclusion in the review
- Extracting data
- Assessing risk of bias in the included studies using validated tools
- Synthesizing data and performing meta-analysis, including selecting appropriate statistical models and handling heterogeneity
- Evaluating the overall strength of evidence using the GRADE approach as well as alternative frameworks
Link to report