Table 4.

Criteria and operation

Study criterion	Application
Theory structures assessment, action and evaluation across micro meso and macro levels	Explicit coverage of patient care, service and policy levels
Theory allows for active involvement by more than one organisation	Theory explicitly or structurally allows for involvement of several organisations in creating a change
Theory allows for active involvement of patients can carers	Theory explicitly or structurally allows for involvement of patients and carers in creating a change
Empirical or theoretical bases explicit	Each theory component supported by linked references, including structured reviews or theoretical arguments.
Guidance is provided for measurements of concepts making up the theory	Measures are described