Scoping reviews aim to identify and provide an overview of research on a particular topic. Arksey and O'Malley (2005) first outlined a methodological framework for conducting scoping reviews and specified four main purposes of a scoping review:
- To examine the extent, range and nature of research activity
- To determine the value of undertaking a full systematic review
- To summarize and disseminate research findings
- To identify research gaps in the existing literature
Munn et al. (2018) have since established an expanded definition and purpose of scoping reviews to include the following features:
- To identify the types of available evidence in a given field
- To clarify key concepts/definitions in the literature
- To examine how research is conducted on a certain topic or field
- To identify key characteristics or factors related to a concept
- As a precursor to a systematic review
- To identify and analyse knowledge gaps
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