Table 1.

Overview of the framework for conducting a scoping study

Review stage	Description
1: Identifying the research question	Identifying the research question provides the roadmap for subsequent stages. Relevant aspects of the question must be clearly defined as they have ramifications for search strategies. Research questions are broad in nature as they seek to provide breadth of coverage.
2: Identifying relevant studies	This stage involves identifying the relevant studies and developing a decision plan for where to search, which terms to use, which sources to be searched, time span and language. Comprehensiveness and breadth is important in the search. Sources include electronic databases, references lists, hand-searching of key journals and organisations and conferences. Breadth is important; however, practicalities of the search are as well. Time, budget and personal resources are potential limiting factors and decision need to be made upfront about how these will impact the search.
3: Study selection	Study selection involves posthoc inclusion and exclusion criteria. These criteria are based on the specifics of the research question and on new familiarity with the subject matter through reading the studies.
4: Charting the data	A data-charting form is developed and used to extract data from each study. A ‘narrative review’ or ‘descriptive analytical’ method is used to extract contextual or process oriented information from each study.
5: Collating, summarising and reporting results	An analytical framework or thematic construction is used to provide an overview of the breadth of the literature. A numerical analysis of the extent and nature of studies using tables and charts is presented. A thematic analysis is then presented. Clarity and consistency are required when reporting results.
6: Consultation (optional)	This provides opportunities for consumer and stakeholder involvement to suggest additional references and provide insights beyond those in the literature.