A review that maps the size and scope of existing literature on a topic.
A scoping review systematically surveys and charts the breadth of evidence on a topic, including the types of studies, key concepts, and gaps in the literature, rather than answering a narrow clinical question. Unlike a systematic review, it does not typically pool results or grade the strength of evidence for a specific intervention effect; it is used to map a field, clarify terminology, or determine whether a full systematic review is feasible or warranted. Quality and rigor vary considerably between scoping reviews, so clinicians should check whether the authors followed an established framework (e.g., PRISMA-ScR).
This guide was auto-drafted and is pending editorial review.