Development of an Evidence and Gap Map (EGM) of interventions to increase smoking cessation: A study protocol

Smoking remains one of the leading risk factors contributing to the global burden of disease. Sub-optimal implementation of evidence-based tobacco control and smoking cessation practice is a major challenge despite a substantial evidence base for interventions to increase smoking cessation globally. We aim to develop an Evidence and Gap Map (EGM) to collate the existing evidence and identify the gap in research on interventions to increase smoking cessation worldwide. A conceptual framework was developed followed by the formulation of a search strategy with key search terms and search period (1970 – date of search). The search will be conducted in relevant bibliographic databases (e.g. MEDLINE, Embase, SCOPUS), systematic reviews databases (e.g. Cochrane Library, Joanna Briggs systematic reviews, EPPI-Reviewer) and impact evaluation databases (e.g. 3ie Impact Evaluation repository and Cochrane tobacco addiction group specialized register) with support from a research librarian. Subsequently, two coders will screen and retrieve systematic reviews and individual impact evaluation studies. The adapted SURE (Supporting the Use of Research Evidence) checklist will be used to evaluate the quality of the included systematic reviews. A narrative synthesis from the systematic review findings and line listing of the impact evaluations will form the basis of this EGM. The EGM report will be presented in an interactive visual format. The proposed EGM will organise the pieces of evidence generated in systematic reviews and impact evaluations on smoking cessation interventions and identify the current research gaps, if any. The findings will inform evidence-based practice and future research.