PRISMA Extension for Scoping Reviews (PRISMA-ScR): Checklist and Explanation

Abstract

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. Although more scoping reviews are being done, their methodological and reporting quality need improvement. This document presents the PRISMA-ScR (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews) checklist and explanation. The checklist was developed by a 24-member expert panel and 2 research leads following published guidance from the EQUATOR (Enhancing the QUAlity and Transparency Of health Research) Network. The final checklist contains 20 essential reporting items and 2 optional items. The authors provide a rationale and an example of good reporting for each item. The intent of the PRISMA-ScR is to help readers (including researchers, publishers, commissioners, policymakers, health care providers, guideline developers, and patients or consumers) develop a greater understanding of relevant terminology, core concepts, and key items to report for scoping reviews.

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Affiliated Institutions

• St. Michael's Hospital CA
• South African Medical Research Council ZA
• Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health CA
• University of York GB
• The University of Adelaide AU
• Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality US
• King's College London GB
• Ottawa Hospital CA
• Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada CA
• Ottawa Hospital Research Institute
• University of Toronto CA
• Dalhousie University CA
• RAND Corporation US
• Cochrane GB
• Northeastern University US
• Norwegian Institute of Public Health
• Queen's University CA
• McMaster University CA
• University of Ottawa CA
• American University of Beirut LB
• World Health Organization CH
• University of South Australia AU
• University of Alberta CA
• Alliance for Health Policy and Systems Research CH

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