What is a scoping review?
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Understanding Scoping Reviews: Definition, Methods, and Applications
What is a Scoping Review?
A scoping review is a type of research evidence synthesis that aims to map the existing literature on a particular topic or research area. Unlike systematic reviews, which seek to answer specific research questions, scoping reviews provide an overview of the available research without necessarily producing a summary answer to a discrete question1 2. They are particularly useful for addressing broad questions such as "What information has been presented on this topic in the literature?" and for gathering and assessing information prior to conducting a systematic review1 6.
Purpose and Objectives of Scoping Reviews
The primary purpose of a scoping review is to identify knowledge gaps, set research agendas, and inform decision-making by providing a comprehensive overview of the existing evidence3 4. Scoping reviews are often used to:
- Identify the types of available evidence in a given field1 2.
- Clarify key concepts and definitions in the literature6.
- Examine how research is conducted on a certain topic3.
- Identify key characteristics or factors related to a concept1 2.
- Inform future research by identifying gaps in the existing literature3 4.
Methodological Frameworks and Guidelines
Scoping reviews follow specific methodological frameworks to ensure transparency and rigor. The most commonly used frameworks include the Arksey and O'Malley framework, which has been further enhanced by Levac et al., and the Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) methodology1 5 9. These frameworks outline several key stages in conducting a scoping review:
- Identifying the Research Question: Clarifying and linking the purpose and research question9.
- Identifying Relevant Studies: Using a comprehensive and systematic search strategy9.
- Study Selection: Employing a team approach to select studies based on predefined criteria9.
- Charting the Data: Extracting and organizing data from the included studies9.
- Collating, Summarizing, and Reporting Results: Presenting the findings in a clear and accessible manner9.
Reporting Standards
To ensure consistency and transparency in reporting, scoping reviews often adhere to the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) checklist1 7 10. This checklist provides guidelines on how to report the conduct and findings of scoping reviews, ensuring that they meet international standards for quality and reliability2 10.
Applications and Benefits
Scoping reviews are increasingly popular across various fields, including healthcare, nursing, and midwifery, due to their ability to provide a broad overview of the evidence base7 8. They are particularly valuable for:
- Informing policy and practice by identifying the extent and nature of research evidence3 8.
- Supporting the development of systematic reviews by mapping the existing literature and identifying gaps6.
- Enhancing knowledge translation by providing a comprehensive synthesis of the evidence5 8.
Conclusion
Scoping reviews are a versatile and valuable tool for synthesizing research evidence, particularly when addressing broad research questions or exploring new areas of study. By following established methodological frameworks and reporting guidelines, scoping reviews can provide high-quality, reliable, and comprehensive overviews of the existing literature, thereby informing future research, policy, and practice.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Methods for Research Evidence Synthesis: The Scoping Review Approach.
Scoping reviews can provide an overview of available research evidence on a topic without producing a summary answer to a discrete research question.
Systematic Review
Highly CitedPractical guidance for knowledge synthesis: Scoping Review Methods.
Effective pre-planning and adhering to protocol can ensure high-quality, reliable, and publishable scoping reviews.
Systematic ReviewHighly CitedA scoping review on the conduct and reporting of scoping reviews
Scoping reviews are crucial for informing research agendas and identifying implications for policy or practice, but their conduct and reporting need improvement.
Systematic ReviewHighly CitedA scoping review of scoping reviews: advancing the approach and enhancing the consistency
This scoping review aims to advance the scoping review approach and enhance its consistency in synthesizing research evidence, while addressing the lack of a universal study definition or definitive procedure.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedScoping reviews: time for clarity in definition, methods, and reporting.
Scoping reviews need clearer terminology, definition, methodology, and reporting guidance to advance the field and improve knowledge translation.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedCochrane Update. 'Scoping the scope' of a cochrane review.
Scoping reviews are a useful and increasingly popular method for defining the scope of a research question, gaining an understanding of existing literature, and providing a broad map of the evidence base for informed systematic reviews.
Systematic ReviewHighly CitedUndertaking a scoping review: A practical guide for nursing and midwifery students, clinicians, researchers, and academics
This study provides guidance for conducting a rigourous and transparent scoping review in nursing and midwifery, addressing key components for students, clinicians, researchers, and academics.
Systematic ReviewHighly CitedScoping reviews: reinforcing and advancing the methodology and application
Scoping reviews can enhance evidence synthesis and decision-making, but adherence to up-to-date methodological guidance and reporting standards is crucial for rigor and informed decision-making.
Literature Review
Very Rigorous JournalHighly CitedAn Evidence-Based Approach to Scoping Reviews.
The developed scoping review methodology, based on the Arksey and O'Malley framework, effectively assesses the literature on a topic, identifying implications for policy, practice, or research.
Literature ReviewHighly CitedUpdated methodological guidance for the conduct of scoping reviews
The updated JBI guidance for scoping reviews provides up-to-date guidance and aligns with the PRISMA-ScR for consistent reporting and decision-making in evidence synthesis.
Systematic ReviewHighly Cited