What is a Scoping Review – Meaning and Examples

Every year, over 2 million new research articles are published, and in that research, reviews play an important role. Among the different types of structured literature reviews, such as systematic reviews and meta-analyses, scoping reviews have gained popularity. But what is a scoping review, and how can you write one? This blog is your ultimate guide to understanding this. Let’s explore. 

What Is A Scoping Review 

Developed in the early 2000s, scoping reviews are quite similar to systematic reviews but are conducted for different reasons. Scholars saw the need for an acceptable publication review style that was more extensive than a narrative (summary) review but less complex than a systematic review. Let’s look into the definition of what is a scoping review. 

Definition Of Scoping Review

A scoping review is a systematic approach that helps map and categorise existing literature on a specific topic or research question. They usually have a broader viewpoint compared to standard systematic reviews, which have a narrow focus and try to address well-defined concerns. 

Scoping reviews focus on the nature, volume, or characteristics of studies and not on just analysing existing published data. They clarify essential terms or definitions relating to a specific issue. 

In simple words, you can say that scoping reviews are performed to “scope” a broad topic in a research field.

The Purpose Of A Scoping Review

A scoping review is performed if you have heterogeneous data or have little data on a research topic. The evidence may be vague and still emerging. You have to perform it before a detailed systematic review. 

For example, recently, a lot of scoping reviews have been conducted on COVID-19 because it is a relatively newer disease and does not have a lot of data on it. 

Features Of Scope Reviews

In order to understand how scoping review differs from other review methodologies, it is important to learn about its main features. 

• It has an investigative nature. 
• They are excellent for new disciplines and subjects 
• Inclusive strategy 
• They provide a clarification of concepts. 
• Uses a variety of research evidence, such as empirical studies, reviews, and grey literature.
• Systematic approaches 
• Maps the literature 
• Pinpoints trends and gaps 
• Defines terms and concepts within a subject 
• Adheres to rigorous data collection approaches 

Scoping Review Protocols

Generally, here is the protocol for a scoping review. 

• Introduction 
• Definitions 
• Objectives Review 
• Details of the Preliminary Research 
• Justification for the review 
• Eligibility criteria 
• Sample of the research strategy
• Research Approach 
• Information about the black and grey literature 
• Study selection process
• Explanation of the ways to resolve disagreements 
• Data extraction 
• Presentation of results and data in charts and tables 

How To Conduct A Scoping Review

Now that you are familiar with what is a scoping review meaning, we will see how it can be done. A good scope literature review is one that is carefully planned and carried out. Here is a detailed explanation of how to conduct a scoping review. 

Step 1: Define The Research Question 

First, you have to define your research question(s) clearly. The question should guide the scope of the review and ensure that the review is systematic and focused. To properly structure the questions, use the PCC framework, Population, Concept, and Context. You have to ask yourself:

• What topic or problem are addressing? 
• What are the objectives for your review? 
• What population, concept, or context are you focusing on? 

Step 2: Find Relevant literature 

Once you have defined your research question, the next step is to find all the relevant literature. You can do this by searching databases such as PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and more. You may need to use both controlled vocabulary and free-text keywords to ensure that you perform comprehensive academic research. 

Step 3: Select Inclusion & Exclusion Criteria 

To check which studies are relevant for your scoping study, establish clear inclusion and exclusion criteria. These criteria may include: 

• Data range (time limits for studies)
• Type of studies 
• Geographical focus 
• Language 

Step 4: Data Extraction

After selecting the studies that meet your criteria, you will need to extract key information from them. Use a standard data extraction form to capture important details like study title, author, publication year, methodology, sample size, key findings, conclusion, and research gaps. This step ensures that all relevant data is collected systematically. 

Step 5: Collate & Summarise 

Now, collate the data (collect and arrange) and summarise the findings. This may involve:

• Grouping studies by themes or topics 
• Identifying patterns and trends 
• Highlighting key research gaps

You may also create tables or charts to visually represent the data, as it will make it easy to interpret and report. 

Step 6: Write The Scoping Report 

The next step is to compile your findings into a formal report. The scoping report should include the following:

• An introduction to outline the background and objectives of the scoping review 
• A description of the methods used 
• A results section that presents the findings of the review 
• A discussion that contextualises the results and addresses the implications of the findings

Tip: Make sure to follow the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Extension for Scoping Reviews) guidelines when writing your report.)

Step 7: Identify Implications

In the discussion section of your report, identify the implications of your findings for practice and policy. This will help researchers and policymakers understand the practical applications of your work and recognise areas for further study. 

Step 8: Publication & Peer Review 

Finally, after completing your rapid scoping review, try to get it published in a reputable journal, such as BMJ Open and Systematic Reviews. You will likely need to submit your work for peer review first, where experts in the field assess its validity and contribution to the existing literature. You have to address any feedback received during peer review and revise your report as needed to ensure it meets the highest standards. 

Scoping Review Example

Let’s look at a brief example of a systematics scoping review in health care. 

Limitations Of A Scoping Review

There are many limitations to writing a scoping review. A few of them are. 

They tend to be broad in scope, which can limit the depth of information they provide 

• The results are not conclusive 
• They can be prone to scope creep. 
• Scoping reviews are not appropriate for use as evidence for clinical recommendations.
• It can be challenging to write a section on the implications for practice 
• It is difficult to establish boundaries. 

Scoping Review Vs Systematic Review

The difference between scoping reviews and systematic reviews is discussed below.