Developing an a priori protocol in a qualitative systematic review is essential, as it provides a foundational roadmap for the entire review process. The review team should ensure that equity considerations are integrated throughout the protocol development process. The protocol outlines the following key components:
Selecting a title for the systematic review
Identifying the review team and any conflicts of interest
Reflexivity
Determining the review question and objectives
Identifying eligibility criteria
Searching for qualitative studies
Selecting qualitative studies
Assessment of methodological quality of qualitative studies
Data extraction process and instruments
Resolution of disagreements between reviewers in study selection, data extraction and critical appraisal decisions
Proposed approaches to synthesis, including responding to divergent data
Presentation of evidence
Assessment of confidence in the qualitative review findings
The protocol provides an a priori, transparent and structured framework for conducting the review. Defining these parameters in advance helps to ensure transparency, rigour and consistency in the review process. Additionally, having a well-defined protocol promotes the efficient use of resources, reduces the likelihood of duplication and guides the reviewer towards a focused and meaningful analysis of the research findings. A protocol must be completed and publicly available (e.g. as a published protocol; available via a registry such as PROSPERO or Open Science Framework; published on institutional websites; etc) prior to conducting and publishing the review.