Introduction This project is part of a working group developing Good Practice Recommendations for occupational epidemiological systematic reviews. Standardized, well-documented and repeatable steps make it possible to identify the existing evidence on a topic of interest and to reduce errors and distortions in the literature research and screening. Guidelines exist, but so far, there has been no adaptation to the specific needs of occupational epidemiologic systematic reviews.
Methods The basis for our recommendations is the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions. Through selective literature research in the field of occupational epidemiology and expert discussions within our whole working group, we have made appropriate specifications to occupational health
and safety issues.
Results We give recommendations for the following subtopics in the field of literature research/screening: definition of the research question; selection of data sources; development of the search strategy including inclusion and exclusion criteria; creation/publication of the review protocol; conduction of the screening; presentation of the literature search and screening results. We see a special need for occupational epidemiological adaptation with regard to the special importance of observational studies and the associated relevance of the key components exposure and outcome.
Conclusion These recommendations may support review authors in the field of occupational epidemiology in the process of literature research and screening in systematic reviews.