Dear Dr. Whiffin,

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With best wishes,

Dr. Mohammad Mofatteh, PhD, MPH, MSc, PGCert, BSc (Hons), MB BCh BAO (c)

Academic Editor

PLOS ONE

https://www.linkedin.com/in/drmofatteh/

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This research was funded by the NIHR (NIHR132455) using UK international development funding from the UK Government to support global health research. The views expressed in this publication are those of the author(s) and not necessarily those of the NIHR or the UK government.

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Additional Editor Comments :

Thank you for submitting your manuscript. Please provide a point-by-point response to the reviewers' comments along with a revised version of the manuscript.

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Reviewers' comments:

Reviewer's Responses to Questions

Comments to the Author

1. Is the manuscript technically sound, and do the data support the conclusions?

Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: Yes

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2. Has the statistical analysis been performed appropriately and rigorously? -->?>

Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: Yes

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3. Have the authors made all data underlying the findings in their manuscript fully available??>

The PLOS Data policy

Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: Yes

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4. Is the manuscript presented in an intelligible fashion and written in standard English??>

Reviewer #1: Yes

Reviewer #2: Yes

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Reviewer #1: This is a comprehensive scoping review assessing qualitative research in neurosurgery. It addresses a gap long acknowledged in neurosurgical literature and aligns with recent calls for qualitative integration. The manuscript highlights disparities in authorship and data collection between HICs and LMICs and addresses concerns about "helicopter research" and representation. Almost 19% of the reviewed outputs influenced policy across fifteen countries - a compelling argument for qualitative research utility in neurosurgery.

My Comments:

1. Quality Assessment:

Although scoping reviews typically avoid formal critical appraisal, a brief evaluation of methodological quality (eg Frequency of use of COREQ, audit tails, rigor indicators, reported paradigms, neurosurgeon involvement) would add weight.

2. Visual data representation

Analytical maps or conceptual/flow diagrams linking themes would enhacce readability

3. Propose a framework for future research

Based on the findings, suggest a conceptual model or framework for how qualitative research should be intergrated into neurosurgery moving forward

4. Highlight clinical impact examples

Include a short boxed section or table showing a few high-impact studies (cited in policy, guideline-forming) and thier qualitative contribution to practice change

Overall, this is a strong manuscript that makes a critical and timely contribution to both neurosurgery and qualitative health research

Recommendation: Minor Revision

Reviewer #2: This is a well written paper that addresses a clear need in the neurosurgical literature. I commend the authors for taking on this work, in this under researched area. The international collaboration on this paper only adds to its value and should also be commended.

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Reviewer #1: Yes:  Prajwal Ghimire

Reviewer #2: Yes:  Sanjeeva Jeyaretna

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The range and reach of qualitative research in neurosurgery: A scoping review.

PONE-D-25-20297R1

Dear Dr. Whiffin,

We’re pleased to inform you that your manuscript has been judged scientifically suitable for publication and will be formally accepted for publication once it meets all outstanding technical requirements.

Within one week, you’ll receive an e-mail detailing the required amendments. When these have been addressed, you’ll receive a formal acceptance letter and your manuscript will be scheduled for publication.

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Kind regards,

Dr. Mohammad Mofatteh, PhD, MPH, MSc, PGCert, BSc (Hons), MB BCh BAO (c)

Academic Editor

PLOS ONE

Additional Editor Comments (optional):

Congratulations.

Reviewers' comments: