Table 1 Braun and Clarke’s [13] phases of thematic analysis, as adapted by Cooper et al. [15], and the research teams’ data synthesis actions

1

Familiarizing yourself with the data

• Each included study was re-read following the quality appraisal

process

• Each study’s key findings were abstracted verbatim and displayed in a display tables (Tables 2–3)

2

Generating initial codes

• Initial codes were generated and applied to each finding in the display table

• Each unique code was placed in a code table (table not shown)

3

Searching for themes

• In an iterative manner, similarities of concepts were explored among the various codes assigned

• Codes were gradually grouped together within preliminary themes

4

Reviewing themes

• Preliminary themes were then compared and contrasted to examine similarities and differences

• Re-coding was performed as necessary

• Themes were discussed by researchers to reach consensus

5

Defining and naming themes

• Themes were named and a detailed description of each theme was drafted (scope, breadth, depth), including the use of study examples

6

Producing the report

• Findings written up with supporting evidence of themes within the data