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A protocol to develop a Quality Assessment Tool for Realist Synthesis (QUATRES)
Ferdinand C Mukumbang1, Brynne Gilmore2,3, Rebecca Hunter4
1Department of Global Health, School of Public Health, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, United States of America.
Plos One
|September 10, 2025
Summary
Developing a Quality Assessment Tool for Realist Synthesis (QUATRES) is crucial for appraising the value of evidence from realist reviews. This tool will enhance transparent reporting and reliable findings in evidence-based practice.
Area of Science:
- Social Sciences
- Health Sciences
- Evidence Synthesis Methodology
Background:
- Realist synthesis is a theory-driven approach for synthesizing secondary data to inform evidence-based practice.
- Its complex and iterative nature necessitates robust planning, reporting, and assessment guidelines.
- Existing tools lack comprehensive guidance for assessing the quality of realist syntheses.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop a Quality Assessment Tool for Realist Synthesis (QUATRES).
- To promote transparent reporting and explicit quality assessment of realist reviews.
- To enhance the reliability of findings from realist syntheses for policymakers and practitioners.
Main Methods:
- A multi-method study design involving three work packages.
- Audit of peer-reviewed articles to identify strengths and weaknesses in realist syntheses.
- Methodological review of existing guidance and Delphi consensus for quality marker refinement and validation.
Main Results:
- Identification of current strengths and weaknesses in realist synthesis reporting.
- Extraction of key quality markers from existing methodology guidance.
- Consensus on refined quality markers through a Delphi process.
Conclusions:
- The development of QUATRES is essential for improving the quality and utility of realist syntheses.
- Transparent reporting and rigorous quality assessment are vital for evidence-based practice.
- QUATRES will aid knowledge practitioners and policymakers in appraising the value of realist review evidence.
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