Table 3 Overview of the activities, analytical process and use of candidate theories according to the two stages of the analysis and synthesis process

Evidence drawn from each primary study

Identification of the link between context, mechanism and outcomes

Specification of CMO(s) configuration

Mix of abductive and retroductive reasoning

Constant comparative analysis

To guide the analytical process

Synthesis of data within or across primary studies

Identification of potential explanatory patterns

Juxtaposition, reconciling, adjudication, consolidation of sources of evidence

Situating sources of evidences

To explain at a higher level the explanatory patterns that emerged across the studies