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 question . 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 review .
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 evidence . Scoping reviews are often used to:
- Identify the types of available evidence in a given field .
- Clarify key concepts and definitions in the literature.
- Examine how research is conducted on a certain topic.
- Identify key characteristics or factors related to a concept .
- Inform future research by identifying gaps in the existing literature .
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) methodology . These frameworks outline several key stages in conducting a scoping review:
- Identifying the Research Question: Clarifying and linking the purpose and research question.
- Identifying Relevant Studies: Using a comprehensive and systematic search strategy.
- Study Selection: Employing a team approach to select studies based on predefined criteria.
- Charting the Data: Extracting and organizing data from the included studies.
- Collating, Summarizing, and Reporting Results: Presenting the findings in a clear and accessible manner.
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) checklist . This checklist provides guidelines on how to report the conduct and findings of scoping reviews, ensuring that they meet international standards for quality and reliability .
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 base . They are particularly valuable for:
- Informing policy and practice by identifying the extent and nature of research evidence .
- Supporting the development of systematic reviews by mapping the existing literature and identifying gaps.
- Enhancing knowledge translation by providing a comprehensive synthesis of the evidence .
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.
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