Scoping review methods section

Timeframe:12+ months, (same amount of time as a systematic review or longer) *Varies beyond the type of review. Depends on many factors such as but not limited to: resources available, the quantity and quality of the literature, and the expertise or experience of reviewers" (Grant et al. 2009)

Question:Answers broader and topic focused questions beyond those relatingto the effectiveness of treatments or interventions. A priori review protocol is recommended.

Is your review question a complex intervention? Learn more aboutReviews of Complex Interventions

Sources and searches:Comprehensivesearch-may be limited by time/scope restraints, still aims to be thorough and repeatable of all literature.May involve multiple structured searches rather than a single structured search. This will produce more results than a systematic review. Must include a modified PRISMAflow diagram.

See our Systematic Review Search Service for help conducting the search!

Selection:Based on inclusion/exclusion criteria, due to the iterative nature of a scoping review some changes may be necessary. May require more time spent screening articles due to the larger volume of results from broader questions.

Appraisal:Critical appraisal (optional), Risk of Bias assessment (optional)is not applicable for scoping reviews.

Synthesis: (Tabular with some narrative) The extraction of data for a scoping reviewmay include acharting table or form but a formal synthesis of findings from individual studies and the generation of a 'summary of findings' (SOF) table is not required. Results may include a logicaldiagram or table or any descriptive form that aligns with the scope and objectives of the review. May incorporate a numerical summary and qualitative thematic analysis.

Consultation: (optional)

(Sources: MDJ Peters et al. (2015), Levac et al. (2010))