Table 2 Summary of optional dimensions and assessment criteria for the iCAT_SR

7. The degree of interaction between intervention components, including the independence/interdependence of intervention components

High level interaction

There is substantial interaction or inter-dependency between intervention components or actions i.e. the delivery of one intervention component impacts on the delivery of another, resulting in a synergistic effect.

Moderate interaction

There is some degree of interaction but no evidence of synergistic effects or dysynergistic effects.

Independent

The intervention has only one component or action, or the components act independently.

Varies ^a

Varies across interventions to be considered for/included in the review.

8. The degree to which the effects of the intervention are dependent on the context or setting in which it is implemented

Highly context dependent

The effects of the intervention are likely to be strongly dependent on the implementation setting.

Moderately context dependent

The effects of the intervention are likely to be transferrable across a limited range of settings only (e.g. only within a specific country or health system).

Independent of context

The effects of the intervention do not appear to be strongly dependent on the implementation setting, i.e. it is anticipated that the effects of the intervention will be similar across a wide range of contexts or settings.

Varies ^a

Varies across interventions to be considered for/included in the review.

9. The degree to which the effects of the intervention are changed by recipient or provider factors

Highly dependent on individual-level factors

The effects of the intervention are modified by both recipient and provider factors.

Moderately dependent on individual-level factors

The effects of the intervention are modified by one of recipient or provider factors.

Largely independent of individual-level factors

The effects of the intervention are not modified substantially by recipient or provider factors.

Varies ^a

Varies across interventions to be considered for/included in the review.

10. The nature of the causal pathway between the intervention and the outcome it is intended to effect

Pathway variable, long

The causal pathway includes three or more steps between intervention and outcome or occurs over a long time period; is not linear, or is variable; and/or more than one causal pathway has been proposed.

Pathway linear, long

The causal pathway is linear but there are three or more steps between intervention and outcome.

Pathway linear, short

The causal pathway is clear, short (only one or two steps), direct, linear.

Varies ^a

Varies across interventions to be considered for/included in the review.