How Scoping Reviews Identify Research Gaps and Influence Future Studies in Healthcare

Introduction

Healthcare research is a rapidly evolving field where new interventions, diagnostic tools, and care models are constantly emerging. While individual studies contribute valuable insights, they often focus on narrow aspects of a topic, leaving unanswered questions about the broader research landscape. Scoping reviews address this gap by mapping all available literature on a topic, regardless of study design or quality.

One of their most important contributions is identifying where evidence is lacking — a process that shapes future studies, research priorities, and even funding decisions. This article examines how scoping reviews fulfill this role and the ways in which they influence the trajectory of healthcare research.

The Purpose of Scoping Reviews in Identifying Gaps

Broad Scope and Inclusivity
Unlike systematic reviews, which aim to answer focused questions, scoping reviews cast a wide net, including studies of varying quality, design, and outcomes. This inclusivity allows them to detect patterns and omissions in the existing literature.

Gap Identification Mechanisms

1. Topic Coverage Analysis — Determining which patient populations, conditions, or interventions have been studied extensively versus minimally.

2. Methodological Mapping — Highlighting where high-quality study designs (e.g., randomized controlled trials) are missing.

3. Outcome Evaluation — Identifying neglected outcomes that matter to patients but are underreported in studies.

Examples of Gap Identification in Healthcare

Example 1: Telemedicine in Mental Health
A scoping review of telepsychiatry might reveal extensive research in adult populations but few studies in children or rural communities — pointing researchers toward underserved groups.

Example 2: Pain Management in Cancer Care
A review might show that while pharmacological treatments are well-studied, non-pharmacological interventions (e.g., mindfulness, physiotherapy) lack rigorous evaluation, signaling an area for future trials.

How Scoping Reviews Influence Future Studies

1. Guiding Research Priorities
Funding agencies often use scoping review findings to determine which topics warrant investment. For instance, if a review highlights a lack of studies on culturally tailored health interventions, grant opportunities may be directed toward this need.

2. Supporting Pilot Studies
By identifying underexplored areas, scoping reviews encourage researchers to conduct feasibility or pilot studies before larger-scale trials.

3. Informing Systematic Review Planning
When a topic is too broad or fragmented for a systematic review, a scoping review can help narrow the focus by revealing where enough evidence exists for synthesis.

4. Influencing Policy and Guidelines
Healthcare policymakers may use scoping review findings to initiate programs that address evidence gaps, such as workforce training in under-researched care models.

Advantages of Using Scoping Reviews for Gap Analysis

• Comprehensiveness — Covers all relevant literature, including grey literature, conference abstracts, and non-traditional sources.

• Flexibility — Can adapt search strategies to emerging fields.

• Broad Applicability — Useful in clinical, public health, and policy research.

Conclusion

Scoping reviews are powerful tools for identifying research gaps and shaping the future of healthcare studies. By systematically mapping what is known — and highlighting what is not — they guide funding, influence research agendas, and lay the groundwork for targeted, high-quality investigations. Their role extends beyond academic interest, ultimately impacting patient care by ensuring that future research addresses the most pressing and underserved health needs.