What is a Scoping Review?
A scoping review (ScR) is one tool in a range of evidence synthesis methods, that is used to explore the extent and consistency of the literature to address a broad research question. it is particularly useful when there is little known about the prevalence of literature on a topic. It can also be used as a preliminary map of the available literature, which may lead to a systematic review.
According to the Canadian Insitutues of Health Research (2020) ScR's are:
“exploratory projects that systematically map the literature available on a topic, identifying key concepts, theories, sources of evidence and gaps in the research” (Canadian Institutes of Health Research, 2020)
The subsequent grouping and analysis of themes, characteristics, perspectives, controversies, debate, outcomes and findings within the body of collected evidence allows researchers to ascertain what is known (or unknown) about a research topic. (Bolston, 2008). This can prime the researcher to better understand their research topic and determine whether further research is required in the area. Published and unpublished 'grey' literature can be included within the body of evidence. ScR's can also be referred to as 'scoping studies' in the literature.
According to Munn et al (2018) the purpose of a scoping review is:
to identify the types of available evidence in a given field
to clarify key concepts/ 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
As a precursor to a systematic review
To identify and analyse knowledge gaps
Arksey and O’Malley (2005) originally introduced a framework for conducting scoping reviews. It has since been further developed and added to over time with the changes and adaptions addressing the need for a more rigorous and transparent process to be applied to scoping review methodology (Aromataris., & E, Munn Z, 2020).
Scoping reviews: what they are and how you can do them (Cochrane Training).
What is the difference between a systematic review and scoping review?
Systematic and Scoping reviews both aim to identify literature on a research question as well as analyse and report upon the findings from the literature.
A Systematic Review aims to conclusively evaluate, make recommendations and conclusion on a topic. It als aimes to assess the quality of the available literature included in the review. An answerable question is designed so that a clinical conclusion can be made based on the available evidence.
Scoping Reviews on the other hand take on more of a mapping approach to the literature, to identify themes, and gaps, which can help to determine whether there may be a need to conduct further research. It can also help determine whether there is sufficient literature to conduct a potential systematic review.
The table below highlights key differences between the two synthesis methods.
References
Arksey, H and O'Malley, L. (2005) Scoping studies: towards a methodological framework, International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 8:1, 19-32, DOI: 10.1080/1364557032000119616 Full Text
Stern, Z. M. M. P. C., & Aromataris, C. T. A. M. E. (2018). Systematic review or scoping review. Guidance for authors when choosing between a systematic or scoping review approach BMC Med Res Methodol, 18(1), 143. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12874-018-0611-x Full Text
Canadian Insitutues of Health Research (2020)
Tricco, A.C., Lillie, E., Zarin, W. et al. (2016) A scoping review on the conduct and reporting of scoping reviews. BMC Med Res Methodol 16, 15 https://doi.org/10.1186/s12874-016-0116-4 Full Text