Strictly speaking, protocol development is not a requirement in QES. In fact, it's an often overlooked step. However, developing a protocol can be an incredibly helpful activity to aid in the progress of a QES. It's important to note that QES is an iterative process; often, understanding of your chosen topic will morph and shift over time, therefore your protocol is also subject to change. Your protocol should incorporate a flexible expression of the approach to the project.
For guidance on developing a protocol, see the official guidance documentation from PROSPERO. Even if you do not intend to register your review protocol with PROSPERO, their guidance will offer insight and guidelines that will help you think through your approach to the project. Specifications and exceptions for qualitative reviews are noted throughout the guidance.
This template will provide comprehensive guidance in developing a fulsome protocol. It includes examples of completed protocols in different contexts in the appendices. It should be cited as follows:
Glenton C, Bohren MA, Downe S, Paulsen EJ, Lewin S, on behalf of the Cochrane People, Health Systems and Public Health Thematic Group and Cochrane Norway. (2023). Cochrane Qualitative Evidence Syntheses: Protocol and review template v1.4. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.10050961