Systematic mapping of existing tools to appraise methodological strengths and limitations of qualitative research: first stage in the development of the CAMELOT tool

Table 2 Final themes included in the framework

Framework themes^a	Number of critical appraisal tools that included questions related to theme
Was there a statement of the aims of the research?	59
Did the authors include/discuss a theoretical perspective?	31
Did the authors conduct a review of the literature?	27
Is a qualitative method appropriate?	38
Is this a qualitative study?	4
Was the research design appropriate to address the aims of the research?	62
Were end users involved in the development of the research study?	1
Who are the participants, how were they selected and were the methods for selection appropriate?	75
Was the data collected in a way that addressed the research issue?	79
Did the researcher spend sufficient time in the research setting?	12
Has the research team considered their role in the research process and any influence it may have on the research process or findings?	71
Have ethical issues been taken into consideration?	42
Was the data analysis sufficiently rigorous?	89
Is there a clear statement of findings?	95
How valuable is the research?	71
Have authors discussed/assessed the overall rigor of the research study including strengths and limitations of the research?	31
Is there an audit trail?	22
Did the authors consider/report practicalities of conducting project, and were they realistic?	2
Did the researchers achieve saturation?	11
Was there disclosure of funding sources?	6
Are the authors credible?	8
Reporting criteria (including demographic features of the study)	38

^aWe have attempted to report the framework themes in order of how one would normally read a qualitative research study (e.g., from statement of aims, to clear statement of findings)

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