Article type
Year
Abstract
Background:
Scoping reviews (ScRs) are a type of knowledge synthesis that use a systematic process to identify and map evidence on a topic and identify main concepts, theories, sources, and knowledge gaps.
Objectives:
The objective of this oral is to provide guidance to ScR authors regarding some of the challenges they may face when conducting a ScR and how these can be overcome.
Methods:
The JBI Scoping Reviews Methodological Group was established in 2013 to develop guidance regarding the conduct of scoping reviews. This guidance was updated in 2017 and 2020. A survey of scoping review authors and an evaluation of published scoping reviews using JBI methods identified some challenges faced by authors. As such, the group have provided suggested solutions to these challenges.
Results:
Challenges identified by the group, included misconceptions from editors and peer reviewers, lack of training, difficulty determining when a ScR is appropriate, and issues when presenting results for ScR. Solutions included; following methodological guidance and reporting guidelines, establishing formal training programs, ensuring ScRs are protocol driven, and utilising novel approaches for data visualisation and presentation.
Conclusions:
ScRs can make an important contribution to science and are a versatile knowledge synthesis approach when conducted and reported appropriately. By overcoming known challenges when conducting ScRs authors can ensure that ScRs are better placed to achieve their aims and objectives.
Patient or healthcare consumer involvement:
ScRs are increasingly used by knowledge users including healthcare consumers and other stakeholders to determine the range and breadth of evidence on a topic and establish research and policy priorities.
Scoping reviews (ScRs) are a type of knowledge synthesis that use a systematic process to identify and map evidence on a topic and identify main concepts, theories, sources, and knowledge gaps.
Objectives:
The objective of this oral is to provide guidance to ScR authors regarding some of the challenges they may face when conducting a ScR and how these can be overcome.
Methods:
The JBI Scoping Reviews Methodological Group was established in 2013 to develop guidance regarding the conduct of scoping reviews. This guidance was updated in 2017 and 2020. A survey of scoping review authors and an evaluation of published scoping reviews using JBI methods identified some challenges faced by authors. As such, the group have provided suggested solutions to these challenges.
Results:
Challenges identified by the group, included misconceptions from editors and peer reviewers, lack of training, difficulty determining when a ScR is appropriate, and issues when presenting results for ScR. Solutions included; following methodological guidance and reporting guidelines, establishing formal training programs, ensuring ScRs are protocol driven, and utilising novel approaches for data visualisation and presentation.
Conclusions:
ScRs can make an important contribution to science and are a versatile knowledge synthesis approach when conducted and reported appropriately. By overcoming known challenges when conducting ScRs authors can ensure that ScRs are better placed to achieve their aims and objectives.
Patient or healthcare consumer involvement:
ScRs are increasingly used by knowledge users including healthcare consumers and other stakeholders to determine the range and breadth of evidence on a topic and establish research and policy priorities.