Table D1.

Provisional critical appraisal tool for qualitative studies

Critical appraisal of qualitative and descriptive quantitative studies

1. Is the research aim clearly stated? (Yes/No)

Reporting:

2. Description of the context? (Yes/No)

3. Description of sampling procedures? (Yes/No)

4. Are sample characteristics sufficiently reported? (sample size, location, and at least one additional characteristic) (Yes/No)

5. Is it clear how the data were collected (e.g., for interviews, is there an indication of how interviews were conducted? (Yes/No)

6. Methods of recording of data reported? (Yes/No)

7. Methods of analysis explicitly stated? (Yes/No)

Methodology:

8. Is there a clear link to relevant literature/theoretical framework? (Yes/No)

9. Is the design appropriate to answer the research question? (Yes/No)

10. Was the sampling strategy appropriate to the aims of the research? (Yes/No)

11. Were the data collected in a way that addressed the research issue? (Yes/No)

12. Was the data analysis sufficiently rigorous? (Yes/No)

13. Has triangulation been applied? (Yes/No)

14. Is the analysis and conclusions clearly presented? (Yes/No)

15. Does the paper discuss ethical considerations related to the research? (Yes/No)