A scoping review is a form of knowledge synthesis that maps key concepts, types of evidence, and gaps in research related to a broad topic.

Unlike systematic reviews, it does not typically assess the quality of evidence but rather aims to give an overview of existing literature to clarify working definitions, scope, or research questions.

Common Reasons for Conducting a Scoping Review:

• To identify available evidence on a particular topic.
• To identify and analyse knowledge gaps.
• To clarify key concepts/definitions in the literature.
• To examine how research is conducted on a certain topic
• To identify key characteristics or factors related to a concept.
• A scoping review is commonly carried out as a precursor to a systematic review.

Required elements of a Scoping Review:

• A Scoping Review requires a team of researchers to ensure unbiased screening
• It is widely recommended that the review should be conducted according to JBI guidelines
• The Scoping Review should be reported using the PRISMA-ScR checklist.
• You should register your Scoping Review protocol during the early stages of the study. For further details visit the Open Science Framework website.
• Reproducible and transparent search strategies of multiple applicable databases and other sources such as grey literature should be carried out.
• Two phases of screening: Title/Abstract and Full Text by at least 2 screeners
• Documentation of included and excluded studies according to the PRISMA flow diagram
• Documentation of data extraction process per protocol
• Citation of included studies, guidelines and tools utilized

Access our Step by Step Guide to the Scoping Review Process