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“A systematic review attempts to identify, appraise and synthesize all the empirical evidence that meets pre-specified eligibility criteria to answer a given research question. Researchers conducting systematic reviews use explicit methods aimed at minimizing bias, in order to produce more reliable findings that can be used to inform decision making.”
Source: About Cochrane Reviews. Cochrane Library. Available at: https://www.cochranelibrary.com/about/about-cochrane-reviews. Accessed November 22, 2024.
View the Systematic Reviews GalterGuide for more information.
“Scoping reviews, a type of knowledge synthesis, follow a systematic approach to map evidence on a topic and identify main concepts, theories, sources, and knowledge gaps.”
Source: Levac D, Colquhoun H, O'brien KK. Scoping studies: advancing the methodology. Implementation science. 2010 Dec;5:1-9.
See the Scoping Reviews GalterGuide to learn more.
When selecting to conduct either a systematic or scoping review, consider key indicators for each project.
|
Indicator |
Systematic Review (SR) |
Scoping Review (ScR) |
|---|---|---|
|
Purpose |
To answer a specific research question by summarizing existing evidence. |
To map the existing literature, conduct a landscape or environmental scan of a topic, identify knowledge gaps, or clarify key concepts. |
|
Research Question |
Clearly defined and focused research question. |
Broader question or topic, sometimes multiple related questions, or multi-part questions. |
|
Study Selection Criteria |
Predefined criteria/developed a priori. |
Flexible, broader inclusion criteria. |
| Results | Relatively smaller results due to more focused inclusion criteria. | Relatively larger result sets due to broader inclusion criteria. |
|
Data Extraction |
Detailed data extraction with a focus on outcomes and study quality. |
Extraction of key information (e.g., study design, themes), often less detailed. |
|
Appraisal and Quality Assessment |
Required and rigorous critical appraisal of included studies using validated tools (e.g., risk of bias checklist). |
Optional |
|
Synthesis |
Quantitative or qualitative synthesis with a focus on the results of included studies and includes critical appraisal with assessment of risk of bias. |
Narrative or descriptive methodology that maps the evidence and provides an overview and thematic synthesis. |
| Protocol and Write up |
PRISMA for Protocols (PRISMA-P) Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses statement (PRISMA 2020) |
PRISMA for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR) |
When a systematic or scoping review is not the right fit, consider other reviews including narrative and mapping literature reviews. See our online guide to learn more about different review types.
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