A scoping review is a type of literature review that aims to map the scope, characteristics, and breadth of existing research on a particular topic. It is often used to identify research gaps, clarify concepts, or define the scope of a research area without conducting a detailed quality assessment of the included studies. Scoping reviews are especially useful in fields where the research is fragmented or interdisciplinary.
Source: Shola MPH Channel
|
Type |
Aim |
Search |
Quality Appraisal |
Evidence Synthesis |
When needed? |
|
Scoping Review |
To discover and/or chart what evidence exists whitin a broad field – possibly as a precursor to a systematic review. |
Systematic searching, but not necessarily comprehensice. |
No formal quality assessment required. |
Narrative summary with evidence maps / charts. |
Useful during the discovery and early stage of a project, and to se if a SR is needed. |
|
Systematic Review |
To comprehesively search for research evidence on a focussed topic, and systematically identify, appraise and synthesise all relevant evidence. |
Exhaustive, comprehensive searching. |
Formal quality assessment conducted in duplicate, using validated tool. |
Narrative with results tables, often including statistical synthesis. |
Useful to consolidate current evidence base and identify gaps in the literature. |
Table inspired by: Lavinia Ferrante Di Ruffano, Mary Chappell and Mary Edwards, YHEC
A PRISMA guideline specifically for scoping reviews was published in 2018. Find the PRISMA-ScR
What is a scoping review? | DOI: 10.1136/ebnurs-2024-103969
Systematic review or scoping review? Guidance for authors when choosing between a systematic or scoping review approach | DOI: 10.1186/s12874-018-0611-x
Diagnosing Overtraining Syndrome: A Scoping Review | DOI: 10.1177/19417381211044739
Severe pertussis in infants: a scoping review | DOI: 10.1080/07853890.2024.2352606
Scoping review of obesity interventions: Research frontiers and publication status | DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109240
Diet and Anxiety: A Scoping Review | DOI: 10.3390/nu13124418