Summary
Highlights
The video introduces scoping reviews as a type of literature review that is becoming increasingly common in academic publishing. It directly refers to the PRISMA website, which provides protocols for creating these reviews, specifically the PRISMA-ScR checklist.
A scoping review is a literature review, similar to narrative, integrative, or systematic reviews. It is distinct from a systematic review in that it aims to map out existing literature on a broad or new research topic, rather than answering a specific research question. This approach gained significant traction after 2018.
Scoping reviews synthesize evidence and evaluate the scope of literature on a topic. Unlike systematic reviews, they don't focus on selecting a specific study type (e.g., clinical trials only). Instead, they aim to gather as much literature as possible, especially for emerging topics where few articles exist, to understand what studies are discussing.
Scoping reviews are less rigid than systematic reviews. They do not typically involve critical appraisal of studies or meta-analysis, which are hallmarks of systematic reviews. A key objective of a scoping review can be to determine if a systematic review is necessary for a given topic, by providing an initial general mapping of the literature.
The PRISMA-ScR checklist is a 22-item guide for conducting and reporting scoping reviews. It covers standard article sections like title, abstract, introduction, methods, results, discussion, and conclusion. The website provides detailed instructions and examples for each item, making it an invaluable resource for researchers.
Important checklist items include structuring the abstract, clearly stating the justification and objectives in the introduction, describing the protocol registration (if any), defining eligibility criteria (e.g., publication years, languages), detailing search strategies and sources, and explaining how data extraction and synthesis were performed. Critical appraisal of studies and meta-analysis are generally not primary components.
Results should report the number of studies found, included, and excluded, and their characteristics (e.g., from which databases). Data synthesis often involves qualitative methods, using tables, graphs, or narrative descriptions. The discussion should summarize findings, highlight limitations, and connect to the initial objectives, with a conclusion and disclosure of funding sources.
The PRISMA website is highlighted as an excellent resource, offering detailed explanations and examples for each checklist item. Users can click on individual items to access guide files that explain what to write and provide concrete examples, making it easier to elaborate on different sections of the review. The video encourages direct use of the website for comprehensive guidance.
A scoping review broadly maps literature, especially for new topics, and helps determine if a systematic review is warranted. Given their rising popularity and publication rates, understanding and producing scoping reviews is highly beneficial for academics. The video concludes by encouraging viewers to explore the PRISMA website for detailed guidance.