The Scoping Review Approach to Synthesize Nursing Research Evidence

Abstract

Purpose: The aim of this article is to provide detailed information on scoping reviews, including definition, related processes, and differences between scoping reviews and systematic reviews, and to discuss the limitations of scoping reviews. Methods: This article briefly introduces the researchers to the purpose of a scoping review, methodological framework and related examples, limitations and useful tips for conducting a scoping review. Results: A scoping review is a relatively new approach of evidence synthesis that provides an overview/map of the available research evidence without generating a summary estimation. Therefore, scoping reviews are particularly useful when a body of literature has not yet been comprehensively examined, or has a complex or heterogeneous phenomena unsuitable for conducting systematic review and meta-analysis of the evidence. Conclusion: Because of the variability in the methods of performing scoping review, there is a need for methodological standardization to improve the utility and robustness of review findings.