How to Use a Scoping Review to Identify the Breadth of Research in a Field

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How to Use a Scoping Review to Identify the Breadth of Research in a Field

Introduction

One of the main strengths of a scoping review is its ability to capture the breadth and diversity of existing research on a topic. Unlike a systematic review, which focuses on depth and critical appraisal, a scoping review creates an evidence map that helps researchers, practitioners, and policymakers see the big picture.

This article explains how to design, conduct, and interpret a scoping review to reveal the full scope of research in any field.

1. Understand the Concept of Research Breadth

Breadth refers to the range of topics, study designs, populations, interventions, and contexts covered in the existing literature. It answers questions such as:

  • What areas are well-studied?

  • Where are the gaps?

  • What methods and settings have been explored?

2. Use Broad Search Strategies

If your goal is to capture breadth:

  • Include multiple databases (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, etc.).

  • Add grey literature to avoid publication bias.

  • Avoid overly restrictive filters that might exclude relevant but unconventional studies.

3. Include All Relevant Study Types

To fully map a field, include:

  • Quantitative studies (e.g., RCTs, cohort studies).

  • Qualitative research (interviews, focus groups).

  • Mixed-methods studies.

  • Reviews, commentaries, and policy documents.

4. Organize Findings into Categories

A common way to present breadth is by categorizing studies based on:

  • Population (age group, health condition, region).

  • Concept/Topic (intervention type, theoretical model, outcome).

  • Context (clinical, community, online, policy).

Example: In a scoping review of digital mental health tools, categories might include apps for anxiety, chatbots for depression, and virtual reality for PTSD.

5. Visualize the Evidence Landscape

To make the breadth clear:

  • Use tables to summarize study characteristics.

  • Create heat maps showing areas of high and low research activity.

  • Develop timelines to show how research output has evolved.

6. Identify Gaps and Opportunities

Once the evidence is mapped:

  • Highlight understudied populations or settings.

  • Point out methodological gaps (e.g., lack of longitudinal studies).

  • Suggest future research directions that can advance the field.

7. Communicate Clearly

Since a scoping review is often used by non-research stakeholders:

  • Keep summaries accessible.

  • Avoid heavy jargon.

  • Provide actionable insights.

Example Outcome

A scoping review on AI in healthcare diagnostics might reveal:

  • Well-studied areas: Radiology imaging analysis, skin cancer detection.

  • Emerging areas: AI for rare disease diagnosis.

  • Gaps: Use of AI in low-resource clinical settings.

Conclusion

Using a scoping review to identify the breadth of research in a field allows you to see patterns, detect gaps, and prioritize future studies. It’s an essential tool for anyone looking to understand the research landscape before investing time and resources in more focused investigations.

Published by oriaku