What is a scoping review?

A scoping review is a type of literature review that aims to map out and provide an overview of relevant research on a particular topic. Unlike systematic reviews, which focus on answering a specific research question, scoping reviews are more exploratory in nature and aim to identify key concepts, theories, and themes in the existing literature.

Scoping reviews typically involve a comprehensive search of multiple databases, as well as grey literature sources, to identify a broad range of studies related to the topic of interest. The review may include various types of studies, such as qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods research, as well as theoretical papers and expert opinions.

The main purpose of a scoping review is to provide a clear and detailed overview of the state of research on a particular topic, highlighting gaps in the literature and areas for further study. It can also help to identify key trends, patterns, and themes across different studies, and can be used to inform the development of future research projects, policy decisions, or clinical guidelines.

Overall, a scoping review can be a valuable tool for researchers, policymakers, and practitioners looking to gain a comprehensive understanding of a particular topic and to identify priorities for future research and practice.