Quantitative Non-Randomized Studies	Clear Research Question? [S1]	Collected Data Addresses Research Questions? [S2]	Representative Population? [3.1]	Appropriate Measurements Regarding Outcome and Intervention? [3.2]	Complete Outcome Data? [3.3]	Confounders Accounted for? [3.4]	Intervention Administered as Intended? [3.5]	Comments
Ellsworth et al. [13]	Yes	yes	Yes	No	No	Yes	/	Unsure if participants of this study are representative for our target population. Treatment is taken as a surrogate for diagnosis making the measurements potentially inappropriate. Outcome data lacking dosage and indication to treat. Lack of information about case- detection. Lack of transparency about case definition/ identification
Schildmann et al. [10]	Yes	Yes	Yes/No	No	No	Yes	/	Sampling strategy is relevant for research question but there is a high number of patients dying in hospital and not withheld in this sample. Outcome measurements restricted to nursing notes without access to medical notes. Missing data on symptoms and the level of sedation.
Tatokoro et al. [11]	Yes	Yes	Yes	No	No	No	/	Outcome measures not clearly defined, lack of measurements of dosage for benzodiazepines and antipsychotics Somewhat atypical population with most prevalent cancer diagnosis being pancreatic cancer Absence of information about symptom control or medication dosage for use of benzodiazepines and antipsychotics.
Quantitative descriptive studies	Clear research question? [S1]	Collected data addresses research questions? [S2]	Relevant sampling strategy? [4.1]	Representative sampling strategy? [4.2]	Appropriate measurements? [4.3]	Low risk of nonresponsive bias? [4.4]	Appropriate statistical analysis? [4.5]	Comments
Gambles et al. [12]	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes	Lack of a clear definition of agitation Lack of response to medication