Conducting high quality scoping reviews: challenges and solutions.

Khalil, Hanan; Peters, Micah D.J.; Tricco, Andrea C.; Pollock, Danielle; Alexander, Lyndsay; McInerney, Patricia; Godfrey, Christina M.; Munn, Zachary

Abstract

Objectives: Scoping reviews are being increasingly used by researchers. The objective of this article was to outline some challenges and potential solutions to improve the conduct and reporting of scoping reviews. Study Design and Setting: The JBI scoping review methodology group consists of 9 experts in the field of scoping reviews. This article summarizes the key issues facing reviewers who conduct scoping reviews and those who use the results from scoping reviews and may engage in consultations during their development. Results: Several key issues have been identified for reviewers as challenges in conducting scoping reviews. Challenges may be faced throughout the conduct of the review, from developing the a priori protocol to finalizing the review report for publication and developing implications or recommendations for research, policy, and practice from the results of the review. Challenges to publishing scoping reviews may stem from a lack of understanding of scoping reviews by journal editors, authors, and peer reviewers to extending the conclusion drawn from these reviews to generate recommendations for practice and policy. Conclusion: By identifying and overcoming challenges to the conduct and reporting of scoping reviews, reviewers may better ensure that scoping reviews are effective in meeting the objectives of scoping reviews.

Citation

KHALIL, H., PETERS, M.D.J., TRICCO, A.C., POLLOCK, D., ALEXANDER, L., MCINERNEY, P., GODFREY, C.M. and MUNN, Z. 2021. Conducting high quality scoping reviews-challenges and solutions. Journal of clinical epidemiology [online], 130, pages 156-160. Available from: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclinepi.2020.10.009

• Journal Article Type: Commentary
• Acceptance Date: Oct 14, 2020
• Online Publication Date: Oct 26, 2020
• Publication Date: Feb 28, 2021
• Deposit Date: Nov 16, 2020
• Publicly Available Date: Oct 27, 2021
• Journal: Journal of Clinical Epidemiology
• Print ISSN: 0895-4356
• Electronic ISSN: 1878-5921
• Publisher: Elsevier
• Peer Reviewed: Peer Reviewed
• Volume: 130
• Pages: 156-160
• DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jclinepi.2020.10.009
• Keywords: Scoping reviews; Methodology; Quality; Reporting
• Public URL: https://rgu-repository.worktribe.com/output/979579