How to Define the Research Question in a Scoping Review

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How to Define the Research Question in a Scoping Review

Introduction

A scoping review begins with a well-defined research question, but unlike a systematic review, the question is usually broad in scope. The aim is not to determine intervention effectiveness but to map the existing literature and identify gaps.

Defining this question properly ensures your review is focused, relevant, and methodologically sound.

1. Understanding the Role of the Research Question

In a scoping review, the research question:

  • Guides search strategy development.

  • Shapes inclusion and exclusion criteria.

  • Determines data extraction and synthesis methods.

Poorly defined questions can lead to scope creep (uncontrolled expansion of the review’s coverage) and unmanageable workloads.

2. Use the PCC Framework

Instead of the PICO framework (Population, Intervention, Comparator, Outcome) used in systematic reviews, scoping reviews often use the PCC framework:

  • Population – Who or what is being studied?

  • Concept – The key idea, phenomenon, or topic of interest.

  • Context – The setting or background in which the concept is studied.

Example:

  • Population: Adults with type 2 diabetes

  • Concept: Mobile health apps for self-management

  • Context: Outpatient care in developed countries

Resulting Question: “What mobile health applications have been studied for self-management in adults with type 2 diabetes in outpatient settings of developed countries?”

3. Decide on the Breadth of the Question

Scoping reviews can range from very broad to moderately focused.

Broad Example: “What research exists on digital health interventions?”
Focused Example: “What digital health tools are used for hypertension management in low-income countries?”

Tip: A question that is too broad may result in an unmanageable number of studies; too narrow, and you risk missing relevant trends.

4. Align with the Review’s Purpose

  • If your goal is to map all evidence, keep the question broad.

  • If your goal is to inform a future systematic review, make it more focused.

5. Pilot Test Your Question

Run a test search in one database to see how many results you get.

  • Too many? Narrow down your population or context.

  • Too few? Broaden the scope slightly.

6. Examples of Well-Framed Scoping Review Questions

  • “What frameworks have been used to measure patient engagement in chronic disease management?”

  • “What interventions exist to support caregiver mental health in dementia care?”

  • “What research methods have been applied to study workplace burnout in healthcare professionals?”

Conclusion

Defining a scoping review question is a balancing act—it should be broad enough to capture the full research landscape, yet focused enough to remain manageable. The PCC framework provides a practical starting point, and pilot testing helps fine-tune the scope.

Published by oriaku