A scoping review is a type of evidence synthesis which follows a systematic approach to map evidence on a topic and identify main concepts, theories, sources, and knowledge gaps (Tricco, et. al, 2019). Scoping reviews serve to synthesize evidence and assess the scope of literature on a topic. Among other objectives, scoping reviews help determine whether a systematic review of the literature is warranted. Scoping reviews can be a precursor to a systematic review and may take longer than a systematic review to complete. Use a scoping review to identify key concepts in the field, gaps in the research, and types and sources of evidence to inform practice, policymaking, and research (Daudt, 2013).
Per Coloquhoun et al. (2014) "A scoping review or scoping study is a form of knowledge synthesis that addresses an exploratory research question aimed at mapping key concepts, types of evidence, and gaps in research related to a defined area or field by systematically searching, selecting, and synthesizing existing knowledge"
Note: Scoping reviews don't typically include a risk of bias assessment or critical appraisal of studies.
“A key difference between scoping reviews and systematic reviews is that the former are generally conducted to provide an overview of the existing evidence regardless of methodological quality or risk of bias (4, 5). Therefore, the included sources of evidence are typically not critically appraised for scoping reviews” (Tricco et al., 2018).
Per Peters et al. (2020) indications for a scoping review are:
as a precursor to a systematic review;
to identify the types of evidence available in a given field;
to identify and analyze knowledge gaps;
to clarify key concepts and definitions in the literature;
to examine how research is conducted on a certain topic or field;
to identify key characteristics or factors related to a concept.
Per Arskey & O'Malley (2005)scoping reviews use rigorous methods to describe the literature in a field, including the amount and characteristics of the literature, to determine gaps in the literature. They do not usually appraise the literature or provide a synthesis (Foster & Jewell, 2022).
The stages of a scoping review are:
Stage 1: identifying the research question
Stage 2: identifying relevant studies
Stage 3: study selection
Stage 4: charting the data
Stage 5: collating, summarizing and reporting the results
Optional 'consultation exercise' to inform and validate findings from the main scoping review.
PRISMA -ScR: Reporting Guidelines for Scoping Reviews PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR): Checklist and Explanation. The checklist contains 20 essential reporting items and 2 optional items to include when completing a scoping review. Statement / Explanatory paper (Tricco et al., 2018).
What is a Scoping Review? Information and resources from Stephanie Roth, MLIS, former Medical Library Association Systematic Review Caucus chair.
How to Write a Scoping Review Protocol: Guidance and Template This Scoping Review Protocol Guidance is intended to serve as an educational tool for those developing or reviewing scoping review protocols including novice, intermediate, and experienced researchers and clinicians. This document provides information for each core protocol component (see color-coded headings) consisting of overarching goals, core requirements, helpful tips, and published protocol examples. Please note these examples may not include all recommendations provided herein (Lely, et al. (2023).
In the video below, Associate Professor Zachary Munn (Director of the Evidence-based Healthcare Research Division of JBI) provides an introduction to scoping reviews, including an overview of the JBI methods for conducting scoping reviews.
Andrea Tricco of the JBI Scoping Review Methodology Group explains below how to conduct and report your scoping review using the latest guidance.
The video below by Carrie Price provides an overview of the differences between a systematic review and a scoping review.
"Systematic vs Scoping Review: What's the Difference" by Carrie Price, MLS, Albert S. Cook Library, Towson University is licensed under CC BY-NC 4.0.
In the video below, Associate Professor Zachary Munn and Dr Danielle Pollock discuss the definition for scoping reviews formalized by the JBI Scoping Reviews Methodology Group (2022):