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 Sucharew2019Lockwood2019. 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 Sucharew2019Armstrong2011.
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 Tricco2016Pham2014. Scoping reviews are often used to:
- Identify the types of available evidence in a given field Sucharew2019Lockwood2019.
- 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 Sucharew2019Lockwood2019.
- Inform future research by identifying gaps in the existing literature Tricco2016Pham2014.
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 Sucharew2019Colquhoun2014Khalil2016. 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 Sucharew2019Pollock2021Peters2020. 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 Lockwood2019Peters2020.
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 Pollock2021Peters2021. They are particularly valuable for:
- Informing policy and practice by identifying the extent and nature of research evidence Tricco2016Peters2021.
- 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 Colquhoun2014Peters2021.
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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