Scoping reviews Flashcards
What is a scoping review?
A scoping review is a preliminary assessment of research literature that aims to systematically map the literature, clarify concepts and identify the evidence and knowledge gap on a topic.
This research method can be conducted as a standalone review or used as an initial step before conducting a full systematic review
Can be a broad or more specific overview, depending on amount of literature available
Useful at examining emerging evidence when there are not all the answers to a certain topic or area of practice.
Can help to inform evidence within a field.
Explores what primary data is telling us and how it is designed.
Looks at what is already known and then identifying if a SR is required
Can help pinpoint a question more specifically as gives a general idea of a topic
Useful when the topic has not yet been extensively reviewed or is of a complex or heterogenous nature
What is the aim of scoping reviews?
Map the existing literature in a field of interest in terms of the volume, nature and characteristics of primary research
What is PCC?
Population
Concept
Context
Usually no intervention and therefore not looking at an outcome either
PICO more for SR
What is the difference between a SR and scoping review?
A scoping reviews ask a wide question to find out what we know about an arena of information whereas SR digs deeper into something more specific
Scoping review scopes the literature more broadly on a concept - can use grey literature e.g. from media, newspapers articles (less refined) For brand new topics there may not be robust information yet available.
SR have a more specific question and reviews the best available evidence
Scoping reviews will pull research from a range of diverse sources and methodologies
SR mat have a more specific focus on the types of primary data analysed
Scoping reviews will not critically appraise the primary data
Systematic reviews will focus on the strength of the research and also review bias etc through critical analysis of each paper (and maybe meta-analysis)
PCC for scoping
PICO for SR
Why might you do a scoping review?
- To examine the extent, range and nature of available research on a topic or question
- To determine the value of undertaking a full systematic review
- To summarise and disseminate research findings across a body of research evidence (e.g. that is heterogenous and/ or complex)
- To identify research gaps in the literature to aid planning and commissioning of future research
