Scoping reviews are a type of knowledge synthesis that map the breadth and depth of research on a topic. They are especially useful for areas where evidence is diverse, emerging, or not yet well defined. Unlike systematic reviews, which focus on narrowly defined questions and critically appraise study quality, scoping reviews aim to clarify concepts, examine how research is conducted, and identify gaps to guide future work. They provide a structured yet flexible approach to exploring the research landscape and can inform both practice and further study.
Arksey H, O’Malley L. (2005). Scoping studies: towards a methodological framework. International Journal of Social Research Methodology, 8(1), 19–32. https://doi.org/10.1080/1364557032000119616
Levac D, Colquhoun H, O'Brien KK. Scoping studies: advancing the methodology. Implementation Sci 5, 69 (2010). doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/1748-5908-5-69
Scoping reviews generally follow a structured process to ensure clarity and reproducibility. While specific approaches vary, most involve:
Defining the question and scope – determining what topic or issue the review will explore.
Identifying relevant studies – using a broad and systematic search strategy.
Selecting studies – applying inclusion/exclusion criteria consistently.
Charting the data – extracting and organizing key information from each study.
Summarizing and reporting results – mapping the evidence, identifying gaps, and highlighting implications.
Here are two articles on the steps of conducting a scoping review:
Susanne M, Aliki T. An Introduction to Scoping Reviews. J Grad Med Educ 1 October 2022; 14 (5): 561–564. doi: https://doi.org/10.4300/JGME-D-22-00620.1
Susanne M, Aliki T. Steps for Conducting a Scoping Review. J Grad Med Educ 1 October 2022; 14 (5): 565–567. doi: https://doi.org/10.4300/JGME-D-22-00621.1
Well-executed scoping reviews clearly define their purpose, follow a transparent process, and present findings in a way that maps the evidence while highlighting gaps. Below are some good examples of how a Scoping Review has been conducted and written.
Maggio LA, Larsen K, Thomas A, Costello JA, Artino AR. Scoping reviews in medical education: A scoping review. Medical Education. 2020;55(6). doi: https://doi.org/10.1111/medu.14431
Rashid M, Cervantes AD, Goez H. Refugee Health Curriculum in Undergraduate Medical Education (UME): A Scoping Review. Teach Learn Med. 2020;32(5):476-485. doi: https://doi.org/10.1080/10401334.2020.1779071
January 15, 2025 HMSOM Journal Club
Varpio L. #74 Methods Consult: What type of literature review should I do? The Papers Podcast. November 26, 2024. https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/74-methods-consult-what-type-of-literature-review/id1668796306?i=100067822902
