Table 1 Quality appraisal criteria for evaluation of articles identified in a scoping review of the use of theories, models and frameworks in implementation science involving medicinal products

Domain 1: Implementation research characteristics

Did the authors describe where the study focus fell: that is, the degree of focus placed on reporting on the implementation process versus on evaluating the effectiveness of the intervention?

Domain 2: Implementation theories, frameworks and models

Because reporting regarding the use of a framework was one of the inclusion criteria for this review, this appraisal criterion was not considered.

Domain 3: Determinants of implementation

Did the authors report designing the study to prospectively and systematically explore factors likely to hinder or facilitate implementation efforts (for example, as outlined in CFIR)?

Domain 4: Implementation strategies

Did the authors report how and whether they selected specific implementation strategies to match identified barriers and facilitators?

Domain 5: Service and patient outcomes

Did the authors report patient and service-level outcomes (for example, admission rates) separately from implementation outcomes (conceptual distinction)?

Domain 6: Implementation outcomes

Did the authors report one or more implementation outcomes?

Domain 7: Economic evaluation

Did the authors report on the costs of different implementation strategies or provide an economic assessment of the implementation evaluation?

Domain 8: Stakeholder involvement and engagement

Did the authors report that other stakeholders (not patients or the public) were included as part of the implementation study design team?

Domain 9: Patient and public involvement and engagement

Did authors report that patients and/or the public were involved in the design of the implementation efforts?

Domain 10: Unintended consequences

Did authors report any unintended consequences of implementation efforts?