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Table 5 Reported value subthemes

From: Process evaluation within pragmatic randomised controlled trials: what is it, why is it done, and can we find it?—a systematic review

Subtheme

Number of process evaluations reporting this value (n = 17)

Examples of reported values in subtheme

Adding to wider knowledge

16

• Informing future trial design [23, 25, 27, 28, 32, 33, 38]

• Improving future design of similar interventions [22, 24, 33]

Informing post-trial transfer of intervention to practice

15

• Providing evidence of feasibility [28, 33]

• Highlighting potential disadvantages of intervention to facilitate consent discussions with patients [23]

Identifying intervention improvements

10

• Adding stronger monitoring protocols to promote adherence [33]

• Recommendation to research effectiveness over time [29]

Providing reasons for trial results

8

• Reasons for non-positive results [33, 38]

• Reasons for positive results [28,29,30,31, 35]

Addressing an identified concern about the intervention

7

• Concern about the effect of cognitive impairment on effectiveness [22]

• Concern about participant adherence [33, 35]

Adding information not provided by the trial

6

• Participant and deliverer experiences and perceptions [23, 35]

• Nuance and context [23]

Increasing accuracy of trial results

6

• Investigating threats to internal validity [26]

• Accurately defining trial population [25]

Understanding how the intervention works

4

• Understanding what was delivered in a flexible intervention [38]

• Mechanisms of impact [28]

Building on trial data

2

• Exploring findings of subgroup analysis [29]

Understanding applicability of trial results

2

• Evaluating whether intended pragmatic trial population achieved [25]

Improving usual care at trial sites

1

• Highlighting gaps in current care provision [27]

Meeting pragmatic RCT reporting requirements

1

• Adhere to reporting standards for pragmatic and non-pharmacological trials [27]

Meeting recommendation to conduct process evaluation

1

• Following MRC recommendations [28]