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Systematic Reviews & Other Syntheses

Introduction

Arksey and O’Malley identify four common reasons why a scoping study might be undertaken in their seminal article outlining a methodological framework [1]. More broadly, the authors separate these four reasons into two different purposes for conducting the review:

The scoping [review] as one part of an ongoing process of reviewing the research landscape, the ultimate aim of which is to produce a full systematic review.

1. To examine the extent, range and nature of research

2. To determine the value of undertaking a systematic review

Alternatively, the scoping [review] might be conceived as a method in its own right—leading to publication and dissemination of research findings in a particular field of enquiry.

3.To summarize and disseminate research findings

4. To identify research gaps in the existing literature

Scoping Review Steps

Five stages of a scoping review [1]:*

  1. Identify the research question,
  2. Identify relevant studies,
  3. Study selection,
  4. Charting the data,
  5. Collating, summarizing and reporting the results.
     

Before embarking on a scoping review, make sure that a recent review on the same topic has not already been published.

  • To check for published scoping reviews and scoping review protocols, search databases such as Ovid MEDLINE/PubMed, Embase, CINAHL, and even Google Scholar (to catch any journal content that is not covered in bibliographic databases).

Scoping Review Webinars

Bibliography

  1. Arksey, H., & O'Malley, L. (2005). Scoping studies: towards a methodological framework. International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 8(1), 19-32. doi:10.1080/1364557032000119616
  2. Tricco, A. C., Lillie, E., Zarin, W., O'Brien, K. K., Colquhoun, H., Levac, D., ... & Hempel, S. (2018). PRISMA extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR): checklist and explanation. Annals of internal medicine, 169(7), 467-473.
  3. Munn, Z., Peters, M., Stern, C., Tufanaru, C., McArthur, A., & Aromataris, E. (2018). Systematic review or scoping review? Guidance for authors when choosing between a systematic or scoping review approach. BMC medical research methodology, 18(1), 143. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12874-018-0611-x.
  4. Peters, M. D., Godfrey, C., McInerney, P., Khalil, H., Larsen, P., Marnie, C., ... & Munn, Z. (2022). Best practice guidance and reporting items for the development of scoping review protocols. JBI Evidence Synthesis, 20(4), 953-968.
 
The following resources describe the purpose and methods of a scoping review in detail: