Box 1 The 22 items included in the SPARK tool

Module 1^a

(Relevance of question to policymakers and stakeholders)

1. Addressing this question responds to a problem that is of large burden

2. Addressing this question responds to a problem that is persistent

3. Addressing this question responds to the needs of the population

4. Addressing this question responds to the needs of decision-makers

5. Addressing this question responds to national health priorities

6. Addressing this question is a moral obligation

7. Addressing this question is expected to positively impact equity in health

8. Addressing this question is expected to positively impact population health

9. Addressing this question is expected to positively impact patient experience of care

10. Addressing this question is expected to positively impact healthcare expenditures

11. Addressing this question is expected to positively impact the overall development of the country

12. Using the research evidence for this question is critical to inform decision-making

13. Using the research evidence for this question is expected to be supported by political actors

Module 2

(Appropriateness and feasibility for systematic review teams)

1. The question can be translated into an answerable systematic review question

2. There are no available or adequate systematic reviews on this question

3. Primary studies are available for inclusion in the systematic review

4. There is adequate human capacity to undertake the systematic review

5. There is adequate operation/management capacity to undertake the systematic review

6. The systematic review is feasible within the expected timeframe

7. Conducting the systematic review contributes to sustainable capacity to conduct future reviews

8. Conducting the systematic review is a social responsibility

9. Conducting the systematic review does not raise any ethical concerns