Scoping Review
A scoping review is a methodological approach used to systematically map the breadth of literature on a particular topic, concept, or field. Unlike systematic reviews that answer specific research questions through rigorous quality assessment, scoping reviews aim to identify and synthesize the types of evidence available, key concepts, themes, and knowledge gaps within a domain. This approach is particularly useful in areas that are broad, complex, or where evidence is heterogeneous in nature and sources.
Purpose and Application
Scoping reviews serve several distinct functions in health and wellbeing research. They are often used to clarify concepts and definitions in emerging or multidisciplinary fields, to identify types and sources of evidence available on a topic, and to determine whether a full systematic review is warranted. They can also highlight gaps in existing knowledge and inform future research agendas. Scoping reviews are valuable when examining topics with diverse methodologies, populations, or contexts where narrower review approaches may be insufficient.
Key Characteristics
The defining feature of a scoping review is its focus on breadth rather than depth. While quality assessment may be minimal or absent, scoping reviews follow a transparent and systematic process for identifying, selecting, and analyzing literature. This typically includes formulating broad research questions, searching multiple databases, selecting relevant studies using predetermined criteria, and charting data in structured ways. The iterative nature of scoping reviews allows researchers to refine their understanding as the work progresses, making this approach responsive to the evolving landscape of evidence.