Evidence Search and Appraisal

In realist methodology, inclusion depends on relevance and rigour. The review will include study designs that can contribute to theory building, including qualitative, quantitative, service evaluation, audit, and implementation studies. Certainty of evidence for primary network meta-analyses will be assessed with both GRADE and CINeMA. Non-randomised or quasi-randomised trials will be assessed using ROBINS-I. Randomised trials will be assessed with the Cochrane RoB 2 tool. Sources are appraised for relevance to theory building and methodological trustworthiness rather than through standard checklists. Publication bias will be assessed only when more than 10 studies are available in a meta-analysis. Lower-quality sources can be included when they provide relevant causal insight. Formal searches will identify empirical and theoretical evidence relevant to the initial programme theory. The May 2025 search strategy covers five electronic databases and grey literature. The review applies a 2015 date limit to reflect a decade of NHS policy change relevant to receptionist role evolution. Data extraction prioritises narratives that support programme theory development and causal understan…