Table 1. Stages of the Realist Review.

Stage	Task
1. Define the scope of the review	Identify the question Clarify the purpose(s) of the review Find and articulate the programme theories
2. Search for and appraise the evidence	Search for the evidence Appraise the evidence
3. Extract and synthesise findings	Extract the results Synthesise findings
4. Draw conclusions and make recommendations

Adapted from Pawson. ²⁵