A Comprehensive Guide to Scoping Reviews: Mapping the Landscape of Evidence

A Comprehensive Guide to Scoping Reviews: Mapping the Landscape of Evidence

Introduction:
In the world of research synthesis, scoping reviews play a crucial role in mapping the landscape of evidence on a particular topic. These reviews, outlined in Chapter 11 of the JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis, offer a broader scope with less restrictive inclusion criteria compared to other types of reviews. In this article, we will delve into the intricacies of scoping reviews, exploring their unique characteristics, comparing them to other types of reviews, and providing actionable advice for conducting effective scoping reviews.

Understanding Scoping Reviews:
Scoping reviews, unlike systematic reviews or traditional literature reviews, are designed to determine the availability and characteristics of evidence from diverse sources. With a focus on mapping or charting the data, scoping reviews aim to identify the types of evidence, be it quantitative or qualitative, that exist on a given topic. This inclusive approach allows researchers to gather information from disparate or heterogeneous sources, providing a comprehensive overview of the subject matter.

Comparison with Other Types of Reviews:
To gain a better understanding of scoping reviews, it is essential to compare them with other types of reviews. While systematic reviews aim to answer specific research questions using a focused and rigorous methodology, scoping reviews adopt a broader perspective. The inclusion criteria for scoping reviews are less restrictive, allowing for a comprehensive exploration of the available evidence. Traditional literature reviews, on the other hand, often lack the systematic and transparent process of scoping reviews, making scoping reviews a valuable tool for evidence synthesis.

Developing a Protocol for Scoping Reviews:
To ensure a structured and efficient scoping review, it is crucial to develop a protocol that outlines the review question, inclusion and exclusion criteria, and the scope of the research. The protocol should be developed a priori, providing a clear roadmap for the review process. By defining the population, concept, and context (PCC) of the study, researchers can formulate focused research questions that guide the scoping review. Additionally, the protocol should explicitly state the sources of evidence and research methodologies that will be considered.

Actionable Advice for Conducting Scoping Reviews:

1. Thoroughly Define Research Questions:
   Clearly defining the research questions is an essential first step in conducting a scoping review. The questions should be broad enough to encompass the desired scope of the review while providing a focused direction for data collection and analysis. By formulating research questions that align with the PCC framework, researchers can effectively guide their scoping review.

2. Utilize Diverse Sources of Evidence:
   Scoping reviews aim to gather evidence from a wide range of sources, including both quantitative and qualitative studies. To ensure a comprehensive overview, researchers should explore various databases, repositories, and platforms, such as Open Science Framework and Figshare. By casting a wide net, researchers can capture the full breadth of evidence available on the topic.

3. Employ Mapping or Charting Techniques:
   Mapping or charting the data is a crucial step in scoping reviews. Researchers should develop a systematic approach to organizing and presenting the gathered evidence. This could involve creating visual representations, such as tables, graphs, or concept maps, to showcase the characteristics and trends within the reviewed literature. By employing mapping techniques, researchers can effectively present the findings of their scoping review.

Conclusion:
Scoping reviews serve as valuable tools for researchers seeking to map the landscape of evidence on a specific topic. By adopting a broad scope with less restrictive inclusion criteria, scoping reviews offer a comprehensive overview of the available evidence. Through the development of a clear protocol, researchers can effectively guide their scoping review, ensuring structured and transparent research. By utilizing diverse sources of evidence and employing mapping techniques, researchers can present a comprehensive analysis of the reviewed literature. With these actionable advice in mind, researchers can conduct impactful scoping reviews that contribute to the advancement of knowledge in their respective fields.