Table 1 A comparison of the characteristics of scoping and systematic reviews.

Focused research question with narrow parameters

Research question(s) often broad

Inclusion/exclusion usually defined at outset

Inclusion/exclusion can be developed post hoc

Quality filters often applied

Quality not an initial priority

Detailed data extraction

May or may not involve data extraction

Quantitative synthesis often performed

Synthesis more qualitative, and typically not quantitative

Formally assesses the quality of studies and generates a conclusion relating to the focused research question

Used to identify parameters and gaps in a body of literature