3.3.5 An a priori protocol

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.