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Scoping Reviews

This guide provides a step by step breakdown of how to conduct a scoping review and how librarians can assist in the process.

About Data Extraction

"As in systematic reviews, scoping review authors should only extract data items that are relevant to the scoping review questions. Therefore, potential data items of interest can be structured around the PCC framework. Further items for data extraction will depend on the purpose and reasoning behind conducting the review. For example, the individual items could be related to the study design, such as whether it was a randomized controlled trial (RCT); the methods used for conduct; and outcome measurement approaches. Alternatively, it could include definitions, statements, or arguments surrounding a concept. It could be interventions studied, their application, dose, duration, and frequency."

Source: Recommendations for the extraction, analysis, and presentation of results in scoping reviews

Data Extraction Guidelines

  • Create a standardized data extraction form
  • Document guidance for the form will be used and applied and ensure all team members understand
  • Describe the planned data extraction and develop a draft extraction form for your protocol
  • Test your draft data extraction form on each type of study included in the review
  • Have at least 2 researchers independently extract the data from each included study
  • Develop a plan for resolving disagreements in data extraction

Data Extraction Tools

Covidence: allows you to create and publish a data extraction template with text fields, single choice items, section headings and subheadings, perform dual reviewer data extraction, review extractions for consensus and export data extracted to a csv file. 

For more Information about Covidence

Spreadsheets or Database Software (Excel or Google Sheets)

Spreadsheets or database software can be used to create custom extraction forms. Spreadsheet software (such as Microsoft Excel) has functions such as drop-down menus and range checks which can perform data collection efficiently and help to prevent data entry errors. 

Survey or Form Software (Qualtrics, Poll Everywhere or Google Forms)

These tools allow the reviewers to create custom forms with a variety of question types to collect data in a standardized format

  • Qualtrics can be found in the ATSU portal

Data Analysis

Data extraction is os often the first step in data analysis, as you will structure your extraction to suit the analysis you intend to do. You should limit the amount of interpretation in a scoping review. If your project requires more sophisticated analysis methods, that may be an indication that a systematic review is a better fit for your project.

What Types of Analysis Are Appropriate for Scoping Reviews?

  • Descriptive statistics
  • Basic qualitative content analysis

Remember: regardless of how you choose to analyze and present your data, you always need to do a narrative synthesis as part of a scoping review!