Critical Appraisal
We conducted critical appraisal using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool
(MMAT) 42, selected as appropriate because it was
designed to appraise studies with diverse designs and has been validated
and reliability tested 43, 44. Each study was
appraised independently by two reviewers (JP, MV, ED and a research
assistant) who rated each aspect of the study as “yes”, “no”, or
“can’t tell” and conferred to reach consensus when they disagreed
(Table 2). Consistent with this review methodology and with the MMAT
tool, all eligible studies were included, as long as they presented data
in evidence of their conclusions 45-47.