What is an evidence repository?

An evidence repository (sometimes called a data repository) is a structured, centralized collection of research studies that have been systematically identified, organized, and categorized to support learning, decision-making, and application in practice.

Unlike a traditional literature search—which requires each user to independently identify and evaluate studies—an evidence repository brings together relevant research in one place, using consistent methods to organize and describe the evidence. This makes it easier to locate high-quality studies, understand the state of the science, and apply findings in clinical, educational, and research settings.

In the context of lifestyle medicine, an evidence repository helps synthesize research across domains such as nutrition, physical activity, sleep, stress management, social connection, and substance use, making it more accessible and actionable.

Why was this repository created?

Lifestyle medicine is supported by a large and growing body of research spanning multiple disciplines. However, doing raw searches in PubMed or MEDLINE can yield results lists that are too large to process efficiently.

This repository was created to:

• Provide vetted search results relevant to lifestyle medicine
• Improve accessibility to relevant research
• Support evidence-based practice and education
• Highlight the impact of lifestyle interventions on health outcomes
• Advance the field by making research easier to find, use, and build upon

By systematically organizing the literature, the repository helps bridge the gap between research and real-world application.

What makes this repository different from a typical research database?

This repository is not a general-purpose database of all published research. Instead, it is a curated, topic-specific resource focused on lifestyle medicine with a goal of making LM-relevant evidence more accessible to the LM community and to external researchers. Potentially relevant abstract identified in our MEDLINE search (see Search Strategy page for the actual search terms) were screened manually and tagged by our research team, with assistance from a machine learning tool VADRR that reorganizes search results based on predicted relevance to make screening more efficient for human team members.

Key distinguishing features include:

• Focused scope: Only research relevant to lifestyle medicine and related health outcomes is included
• Curation: Studies are selected, reviewed, and categorized using standardized methods (see Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria page)
• Structured tagging: Research is organized by tagging with useful categories (LM pillar, study design, outcome group)

How is this repository different from doing my own search in PubMed?

The volume of published evidence in medical/scientific databases such as MEDLINE/Pubmed is vast. It can be difficult to quickly narrow search results to evidence that is most relevant to a specific question. The repository functions as an interactive, searchable database, and included articles have already been screened for relevance and tagged to make them easier to filter.

Users can:

• Search using keywords or topics of interest
• Filter results based on study design, health outcomes, or lifestyle medicine pillar
• Download full search results as a .csv file
• Access abstracts or full articles through links to the original publisher

Each study entry includes key information to help users quickly understand its relevance, without needing to read the full article first.

The goal is to support rapid access to relevant evidence while maintaining transparency and rigor.

What kinds of studies are included?

The repository includes peer-reviewed research relevant to lifestyle medicine, including:

• Systematic reviews and meta-analyses
• Clinical interventions, randomized controlled trials, and other intervention studies

Studies are selected based on defined inclusion and exclusion criteria (see Inclusion/Exclusion Criteria page).

How is the repository organized?

Each study in the repository is tagged and categorized across multiple categories:

• Lifestyle medicine pillar
• Study design
• Outcome group

Please view our User Guide page to learn how to use the search and filter functions.

How often is the repository updated?

The repository is designed to be an evolving resource that is regularly updated. We aim to update searches and included studies annually starting in 2027, after the initial upload in 2026.

Who is this repository for?

This resource is designed for a broad range of users, including:

• Clinicians seeking evidence to inform patient care or their own learning
• Educators developing evidence-based curricula or materials
• Researchers exploring trends, gaps, and opportunities in the field
• Health system leaders and policymakers interested in implementation and outcomes

By organizing research in an accessible way, the repository supports both expert users and those newer to the field.

How should I use this repository?

The repository is intended to complement—not replace—traditional literature review. To understand whether your research question can be fully answered by our search strategy and screening process, please review the Search Strategy page.

It is best used to:

• Quickly identify relevant studies within a specific topic area
• Understand the breadth and depth of evidence across lifestyle medicine domains
• Support presentations, educational materials, and program development
• Inform clinical or organizational decision-making

Users are encouraged to review full-text articles when in-depth evaluation is needed.

Does this repository evaluate or rate study quality?

The repository does not provide evaluation of study quality or risk of bias. The database provides structured information about each study but does not replace formal critical appraisal.

While study design and characteristics are included to support interpretation, users should apply their own judgment or use additional frameworks when evaluating study quality for specific purposes.