Table 1 Criteria for appraising applicability of the CICI framework

Coherence

Is the framework internally coherent and consistent? Are the definitions clear?

Completeness

Is the framework comprehensive?

Theory

To what extent does the framework facilitate the advancement or development of theories?

Compatibility

To what extent is the framework compatible with other theories, frameworks or models?

Relationships

To what extent does the framework allow for the assessment and appraisal of relationships between its components?

Adaptation and applicability

To what extent can the framework be applied and/or adapted to different interventions?

Flexibility

To what extent can the framework be applied in systematic reviews and HTAs employing different methods?

Capability

To what extent does the framework capture complexity?

Feasibility of application

Can the framework be applied easily?