Data analysis

Qualitative data will be thematically analysed using the qualitative research software NVivo.⁴² Reviewers will develop descriptive themes through interpretation of the meaningful patterns in the qualitative research. Codes for unmet needs domains will be assigned to meaning within the text, and these codes will be compared between studies. Two reviewers will discuss these meanings, and a third reviewer will be consulted if an agreement cannot be reached.

The data analysis of quantitative studies in this review will be based on Lambert et al.²⁴ Results across quantitative studies will be pooled, and the prevalence of unmet needs will be compiled. Unmet needs domains will be categorised, and the factors associated within them will be examined. Where reported, the average number of unmet needs will be reported. To facilitate comparison across studies and where appropriate, averages will be standardised from 0 to 100. For example, where one study reports that the average number of unmet needs is 3 on a maximum of 33 items, a second study might report that it is 7 on a maximum of 44 items. The average will be recalculated on 100, so the average number of unmet needs can be compared across studies. Comparable unmet needs will be combined and clustered into domains. Two reviewers will discuss these outcomes, and a third reviewer will be consulted if a decision cannot be reached.

The data of mixed-method studies will be analysed appropriately. Qualitative components will be analysed using NVivo⁴² and quantitative components will be based on the data analysis reported by Lambert et al.²⁴