Introduction
Scoping reviews are a type of research that systematically maps the existing literature on a particular topic. They are often used to identify gaps in research, clarify key concepts, or explore the range of evidence available.
A scoping review protocol is a detailed plan that outlines the objectives, methods, and reporting of the review. As with a systematic review, it is important to create a plan before starting a scoping review. This helps ensure that the review remains clear and can be repeated.
This is particularly important because a scoping review can change over time. The protocol may need to be updated as the review goes on.
When selecting the best template for your scoping review protocol, it's important to consider the source and structure of the template, as it directly influences the methodology and outcomes of your review. This guide provides an overview of the best templates available, including those from Cochrane, JBI, and PRISMA-ScR. It also discusses how to write a scoping review protocol and provides examples of published protocols.
Choosing the Best Template for Scoping Review Protocols
Several organizations offer templates and checklists for scoping review protocols. Some of the most reputable sources include:
Cochrane
Cochrane is a global independent network of researchers, professionals, patients, carers, and people interested in health. Cochrane creates high-quality reviews of healthcare treatments. These reviews are known around the world as the best standard for healthcare based on evidence. Cochrane offers a scoping review protocol template that includes the following sections:
- Title: Your title should have important keywords that match the topic you are discussing. It should connect to the main parts of your question, like the population, intervention or exposure, and outcomes.
Make sure the words are clear and familiar to your readers. Use respectful and inclusive language. Avoid phrasing the title as a question and avoid using acronyms or abbreviations in the title.
- Background
- Review question(s) and objective(s)
- Eligibility criteria
- Search strategy
- Selection of sources of evidence (screening)
- Data extraction and charting
- Data analysis
- Results
- Conclusions and implications
JBI
The Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) is a global non-profit research center within the Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences at the University of Adelaide in South Australia. JBI produces evidence-based resources to inform healthcare decision-making. JBI offers a scoping review protocol template that includes the following sections:
- Abstract: This summary outlines the scoping review protocol. The background information explains why the review is needed.
It also states the objectives, search details, and methods for screening and data charting. Finally, it presents the results and conclusions.
Remember that readers often rely only on abstracts to determine if a protocol is of interest to them.
- Background
- Review question(s) and objective(s)
- Inclusion criteria
- Methods
- Keywords
PRISMA-ScR
PRISMA stands for the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses. A set of important items for reporting in systematic reviews and meta-analyses exists. This set relies on evidence and helps ensure clear reporting. PRISMA has an extension for scoping reviews (PRISMA-ScR) that provides a checklist of 22 essential reporting items.
Comparing and Contrasting Templates
All the templates above aim to create a strong scoping review protocol. However, there are some important differences to think about.
| Feature | Cochrane | JBI | PRISMA-ScR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focus | Strong emphasis on the search strategy and data extraction process. | Strong emphasis on inclusion criteria and the context of the review. | Strong emphasis on reporting and ensuring transparency and reproducibility. |
| Structure | More detailed and prescriptive, with specific sections for each stage of the review. | More flexible, with a focus on key elements rather than a rigid structure. | Provides a checklist of essential reporting items, allowing for flexibility in the structure. |
| Strengths | Provides a clear roadmap for conducting a scoping review. | Allows for more flexibility and adaptation to different research questions. | Ensures that the scoping review is reported in a transparent and reproducible way. |
| Limitations | May be too prescriptive for some research questions. | May not provide enough guidance for novice researchers. | Focuses on reporting rather than the conduct of the review. |
Ultimately, the best template for a scoping review protocol will depend on the specific research question and the preferences of the researchers.
How to Write a Scoping Review Protocol
In addition to using a template, there are several key steps to writing a scoping review protocol:
1. Check for existing reviews and protocols
Before starting a scoping review, it is important to check if a recent scoping or systematic review on the same topic has already been published, and to check for protocols that would indicate similar work is in progress.
2. Define the review objective and questions
What is the overall goal of the review? What specific questions will the review address? Scoping reviews can be used for a variety of purposes, including identifying research gaps, clarifying concepts, and exploring the range of available evidence.
They can include a broader range of evidence than systematic reviews and do not typically involve an assessment of methodological quality or risk of bias.
3. Establish eligibility criteria
What types of studies will be included in the review? What are the inclusion and exclusion criteria? The JBI manual recommends using the PCC (population, concept, context) framework for developing eligibility criteria as opposed to the PICO framework in systematic reviews.
Be sure you have a clear, defensible reason for each criterion you include. Avoid limiting by date or by peer review, as this can introduce bias into your methodology.
4. Develop a search strategy
Which databases will be searched? What search terms will be used? Provide a sample search strategy in the protocol. Explain the search approach, including which published and grey literature will be searched and the justification for these choices.
5. Outline the data extraction and analysis process
What data will be extracted from the included studies? How will the data be analyzed? Describe the study selection process, including how disagreements between reviewers will be resolved. Include a draft charting table/form for data extraction and an accompanying explanation. Describe how results and data will be presented (e.g., draft chart, figure, or table).
If using EviSynth, specify its use in the protocol and note team member roles for screening, quality assessment, and data extraction.
6. Plan for the dissemination of findings
How will the findings of the review be reported and disseminated? Briefly describe how findings of the scoping review will be disseminated (e.g., peer-reviewed journals, scientific conferences) and mention any relevant stakeholders.
7. Include other important information
Provide author information for each author, including name, institutional affiliation, email address with long-term access, and physical mailing address (corresponding author only). Provide background information on the topic of interest and the rationale for conducting the scoping review. Operationally define important terms. Explicitly state the objective(s). Include information on data charting and synthesis. Include a timeframe for conducting the review. Document any deviations from the protocol in the final manuscript.
Allocate ample time upfront for your scoping review protocol—it is as time-intensive as the entire review. Detailed planning and early decision-making at this stage streamline later phases, boosting efficiency and saving time.
Examples of Published Scoping Review Protocols
Several examples of published scoping review protocols are available online. Some examples include:
- Pediatric tonsillectomy quality of life assessment instruments: a scoping review protocol. This protocol outlines a scoping review that aims to identify and assess the quality of life instruments used to measure the impact of tonsillectomy on children.
- The use of non-invasive thermometers in healthcare facilities: a scoping review protocol. This protocol describes a scoping review that aims to map the literature on the use of non-invasive thermometers in healthcare facilities, including the types of thermometers used, the settings in which they are used, and the populations on which they are used.
- Protocol for a scoping review of age-related health conditions among geriatric populations in sub-Saharan Africa. This protocol outlines a scoping review to systematically map and analyze existing research on age-related health conditions in geriatric populations across sub-Saharan Africa, aiming to identify gaps, inform policy, and guide healthcare education reforms in the region.
Checklists for Scoping Review Protocols
Several checklists are available to help ensure that all necessary components are included in a scoping review protocol. Some of the most helpful checklists include:
- PRISMA-ScR Checklist: This checklist provides a comprehensive list of 22 essential reporting items for scoping reviews.
- JBI Scoping Review Protocol Template: This template includes a checklist of items to include in a scoping review protocol4.
- PRISMA-P Checklist: This checklist provides a list of items to include in a systematic review protocol, many of which are also applicable to scoping review protocols.
How to Register a Scoping Review Protocol
It is good practice to register a scoping review protocol to help avoid duplication of research and to make the protocol publicly available. Registering a protocol promotes transparent research methodology and open science, establishes the provenance of your research topic, reduces duplication of efforts, and promotes collaboration. Several registries are available for scoping review protocols, including:
Open Science Framework (OSF)
OSF is a free, open-source project management tool that can be used to register scoping review protocols.
PROSPERO
PROSPERO is an international database of prospectively registered systematic reviews in health and social care. PROSPERO does register scoping reviews.
JBI Systematic Review Register
This register is for the use of JBI-affiliated entities only.
You can also publish your protocol in a journal. When choosing a journal, verify the publishing requirements of scoping review protocols on the journal's website.
Conclusion
Developing a scoping review protocol is an important first step in conducting a scoping review. When choosing a template, consider the specific needs of your research question and the level of guidance required. Cochrane provides a detailed roadmap, JBI offers flexibility, and PRISMA-ScR focuses on reporting and transparency. By using a template from a reputable source and following the steps outlined in this guide, researchers can ensure that their scoping reviews are conducted in a transparent and reproducible way.