Methods and guidance on conducting, reporting, publishing and appraising living systematic reviews: a scoping review protocol

Background: The living systematic review (LSR) approach is based on an ongoing surveillance of the literature and continual updating. A few guidance documents address the conduct, reporting, publishing and appraisal of systematic reviews (SRs), but the methodology described is either not up-to date or not suitable for LSRs and misses additional LSR-specific considerations. The objective of this scoping review is to systematically collate methodological literature and guidance on how to conduct, report, publish and appraise the quality of LSRs. The scoping review will allow the mapping of the existing evidence on the topic to support LSRs authors seeking guidance and identify related gaps. Methods: To achieve our objectives, we will conduct a scoping review to survey and evaluate existing evidence, using the standard scoping review methodology. We will search MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Cochrane using the OVID interface. The search strategy was developed by a researcher experienced in developing literature search strategies with the help of an information specialist. As for searching grey literature, we will seek existing guidelines and handbooks on LSRs from organizations that conduct evidence syntheses using the Lens.org website. Two review authors will extract and catalogue the study data on LSR methodological aspects into a standardized and pilot-tested data extraction form. The main categories will reflect proposed methods for (i) conducting LSRs, (ii) reporting of LSRs, (iii) publishing and (iv) appraising the quality of LSRs. Data synthesis and conclusion: By collecting these data from methodological surveys and papers, as well as existing guidance documents and handbooks on LSRs, we might identify specific issues and components lacking within current LSR methodology. Thus, the systematically obtained findings of the scoping review could be used as basis for the revision of existing methods tools on LSR, for instance a PRISMA statement extension for LSRs.

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Mapping evidence on HIV status awareness among key and vulnerable populations in sub-Sahara Africa: a scoping review protocol

Systematic Reviews ◽

10.1186/s13643-020-01537-w ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Clement Avoka ◽

Patience Adzordor ◽

Vitalis Bawontuo ◽

Diana A. Akila ◽

Desmond Kuupiel

Keyword(s):

Vulnerable Populations ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Public Health Issue ◽

Future Research ◽

Hiv Status ◽

Data Extraction Form ◽

Review Protocol ◽

Immunodeficiency Syndrome

Abstract Background Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) continue to be a major public health issue, especially in sub-Sahara Africa (SSA). Literature shows significant HIV status awareness, testing, and treatment have generally improved among the population since the inception of the UNAIDS 90:90:90 programme. Despite this, it is possible literature gaps exist that require future research to inform in-country programmes to improve the gains post-UNAIDS 90:90:90 programme. This study, therefore, aims to synthesize literature and describe the evidence on HIV status awareness among key and vulnerable populations in SSA focusing on the first UNAIDS 90 since it is essential for treatment initiation. Method This systematic scoping review will be guided by the framework proposed by Arksey and O’Malley and improved by Levac and colleagues. Literature searches will be conducted in PubMed, SCOPUS, CINAHL, Google Scholar, and Science Direct from 2016 to 2020. A snowball approach will also be used to search for relevant articles from the reference of all included studies. This study will include both published and grey literature, articles that include HIV key and vulnerable populations, HIV status awareness, and evidence from SSA countries. Two reviewers will independently conduct the abstract and full-text article screening as well as pilot the data extraction form. Thematic content analysis and a summary of the themes and sub-themes will be reported narratively. Discussions The evidence that will be provided by this study may be useful to inform in-country programmes to improve the gains made post-UNAIDS 90:90:90 programme from 2021 onwards. This study also anticipates identifying literature gaps to guide researchers interested in this field of study in the future. Peer review journals, policy briefs, and conference platforms will be used to disseminate this study’s findings.

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Evaluating methodological quality of Prognostic models Including Patient-reported HeAlth outcomes iN oncologY (EPIPHANY): a systematic review protocol

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2018-025054 ◽

2018 ◽

Vol 8 (10) ◽

pp. e025054 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Nina Deliu ◽

Francesco Cottone ◽

Gary S Collins ◽

Amélie Anota ◽

Fabio Efficace

Keyword(s):

Systematic Review ◽

Systematic Reviews ◽

Methodological Quality ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Prognostic Models ◽

Published Data ◽

Evidence Based ◽

Patient Reported ◽

Data Extraction Form

IntroductionWhile there is mounting evidence of the independent prognostic value of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) for overall survival (OS) in patients with cancer, it is known that the conduct of these studies may hold a number of methodological challenges. The aim of this systematic review is to evaluate the quality of published studies in this research area, in order to identify methodological and statistical issues deserving special attention and to also possibly provide evidence-based recommendations.Methods and analysisAn electronic search strategy will be performed in PubMed to identify studies developing or validating a prognostic model which includes PROs as predictors. Two reviewers will independently be involved in data collection using a predefined and standardised data extraction form including information related to study characteristics, PROs measures used and multivariable prognostic models. Studies selection will be reported following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses guidelines, with data extraction form using fields from the Critical Appraisal and Data Extraction for Systematic Reviews of Prediction Modelling Studies (CHARMS) checklist for multivariable models. Methodological quality assessment will also be performed and will be based on prespecified domains of the CHARMS checklist. As a substantial heterogeneity of included studies is expected, a narrative evidence synthesis will also be provided.Ethics and disseminationGiven that this systematic review will use only published data, ethical permissions will not be required. Findings from this review will be published in peer-reviewed scientific journals and presented at major international conferences. We anticipate that this review will contribute to identify key areas of improvement for conducting and reporting prognostic factor analyses with PROs in oncology and will lay the groundwork for developing future evidence-based recommendations in this area of research.Prospero registration numberCRD42018099160.

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Bridging knowledge, policies and practices across the ageing and disability fields: a protocol for a scoping review to inform the development of a taxonomy

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2017-016741 ◽

2017 ◽

Vol 7 (10) ◽

pp. e016741 ◽

Cited By ~ 2

Author(s):

Emily Joan Nalder ◽

Michelle Putnam ◽

Luis Salvador-Carulla ◽

Andria Spindel ◽

Zinnia Batliwalla ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Scoping Review ◽

Qualitative Content Analysis ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Knowledge Exchange ◽

Cochrane Library ◽

Data Abstraction ◽

Conference Presentations ◽

Data Extraction Form ◽

The Cochrane Library

IntroductionBridging is a term used to describe activities, or tasks, used to promote collaboration and knowledge exchange across fields. This paper reports the protocol for a scoping review which aims to identify and characterise peer reviewed evidence describing bridging activities, between the ageing and disability fields. The purpose is to clarify the concepts underpinning bridging to inform the development of a taxonomy, and identify research strengths and gaps.MethodsA scoping review will be conducted. We will search Medline, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, Embase, PsycInfo, Sociological Abstracts and the Cochrane Library, to identify peer reviewed publications (reviews, experimental, observational, qualitative designs and expert commentaries) describing bridging activities. Grey literature, and articles not published in English will be excluded. Two investigators will independently complete article selection and data abstraction to minimise bias. A data extraction form will be iteratively developed and information from each publication will be extracted: (1) bibliographic, (2) methodological, (3) demographic, and (4) bridging information. Qualitative content analysis will be used to describe key concepts related to bridging.ConclusionsTo our knowledge, this will be the first scoping review to describe bridging of ageing and disability knowledge, services and policies. The findings will inform the development of a taxonomy to define models of bridging that can be implemented and further evaluated to enable integrated care and improve systems and services for those ageing with disability.Ethics and disseminationEthics is not required because this is a scoping review of published literature. Findings will be disseminated through stakeholder meetings, conference presentations and peer reviewed publication.

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Utilisation of follow-up rehabilitation services for stroke survivors: a scoping review protocol

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-043757 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (3) ◽

pp. e043757

Author(s):

Jacqueline Madombwe ◽

Thembelihle Dlungwane

Keyword(s):

Scoping Review ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Public Health Problem ◽

Functional Independence ◽

Rehabilitation Services ◽

Stroke Survivors ◽

Data Extraction Form ◽

Significant Public Health

IntroductionStroke is a leading cause of death and disability and has been identified as a significant public health problem. Residual functional deficits negatively affect the stroke survivor’s functional independence and quality of life. Rehabilitation is necessary for them to regain lost skills, relearn tasks and be independent again.Methodology and analysisA scoping review will be conducted to map available literature on factors influencing utilisation of follow-up rehabilitation services for stroke survivors. Databases including PubMed, LISTA(EBSCO), Web of Science (Clarivate), Google Scholar, Scopus and Science Direct will be searched using keyword searches for articles. The review will include studies presenting evidence on outpatient stroke rehabilitation services, studies undertaken and published in English, including grey literature. Title and abstract screening will be done simultaneously. Two reviewers will independently conduct the abstract and full-text article screening as well as pilot the data extraction form. Thematic analysis will be used to analyse the findings.Ethics and disseminationThis scoping review is part of a larger study approved by the University of KwaZulu Natal Biomedical Research Ethics Committee (Reference no. BREC/00000660/2019). The results will be disseminated through publication.

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Quality of Primary Care for the Adult Population With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Protocol for a Scoping Review (Preprint)

10.2196/preprints.28196 ◽

2021 ◽

Author(s):

Shannon Marion Aylward ◽

Alison Farrell ◽

Anna Walsh ◽

Marshall Godwin ◽

Roger Chafe ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Primary Care ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Adult Population ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Future Research ◽

Quality Of Primary Care ◽

Adults With Asd

BACKGROUND A strong primary care system is vital to overall health. Research on the primary care of people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has mostly focused on children. A synthesis of the existing literature related to the quality of primary care for the adult population with ASD would elucidate what is known about the topic as well as inform future research and clinical practice. OBJECTIVE The purpose of our scoping review is to describe what is known about the quality of primary care for adults with ASD and identify knowledge gaps. METHODS Prior to beginning the literature search, we reviewed literature related to defining both primary care and primary care quality to establish the context and concept of the research question. The search strategy was designed and executed by a research librarian. The MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses databases were searched for relevant literature. Grey literature will include relevant reports from government websites and associations with a focus on ASD. Two members of the research team will independently screen the academic and grey literature. Quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods study designs involving the quality of primary care services or patient-centered care for adults with ASD are eligible for inclusion in our scoping review. Studies that make it past the full-text review will undergo data extraction and quality appraisal by 2 independent reviewers. The data extraction results will be presented in a tabular format to clearly present what is known about the quality of primary care for adults with ASD; this table will be accompanied by a narrative synthesis. Literature selected for extraction will be coded for themes, which will form the basis of a thematic synthesis. The scoping review will follow the guidance proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. RESULTS The search of electronic databases was conducted in October 2020, and it returned 2820 results. This research is still in progress. The results from our scoping review are expected to be available by fall 2021. CONCLUSIONS The results from our scoping review will be useful for guiding future research on the quality of primary care for adults with ASD. INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT PRR1-10.2196/28196

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Defining timeliness in care for patients with lung cancer: protocol for a scoping review

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-039660 ◽

2020 ◽

Vol 10 (11) ◽

pp. e039660

Author(s):

Adnan Ansar ◽

Virginia Lewis ◽

Christine Faye McDonald ◽

Chaojie Liu ◽

Aziz Rahman

Keyword(s):

Lung Cancer ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Care Pathway ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Timely Initiation ◽

Data Extraction Form ◽

Ethical Approval ◽

Scientific Meetings ◽

Diagnosis Of Lung Cancer

IntroductionCancer is the second leading cause of death worldwide, and lung cancer is the single leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Early diagnosis of lung cancer is the key to better prognosis and longer survival. While there are substantial literature reporting delays in cancer diagnosis, there is a lack of consensus in the definitions and terms used to describe ‘delay’ in the treatment pathway. The aim of this scoping review is to identify and critically synthesise the operational definitions and terminologies used to describe the timely initiation of care and consequent treatments over the care pathway for patients with lung cancer. This scoping review will also compare how timeliness was operationalised in Western and Asian countries.Methods and analysisThe scoping review will use the methodology described by Arksey and O’Malley and endorsed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL and PsycINFO electronic databases will be searched. Grey literature sources and the reference lists of key studies will be used to identify additional relevant studies. The scoping review will include all studies, irrespective of study methodology and quality. Two reviewers will independently screen all titles and abstracts to identify eligible studies for inclusion. The full texts of identified studies will be further examined and charted using a data extraction form. A narrative synthesis will be performed to assess and categorise available definitions of timeliness.Ethics and disseminationEthical approval is not needed as this scoping review will be reviewing already published articles. The results produced from this review will be submitted to a scientific peer-reviewed journal for publication and will be presented at scientific meetings.

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Quality of Primary Care for the Adult Population With Autism Spectrum Disorder: Protocol for a Scoping Review

JMIR Research Protocols ◽

10.2196/28196 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 10 (11) ◽

pp. e28196

Author(s):

Shannon Marion Aylward ◽

Alison Farrell ◽

Anna Walsh ◽

Marshall Godwin ◽

Roger Chafe ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Primary Care ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Adult Population ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Autism Spectrum ◽

Future Research ◽

Quality Of Primary Care ◽

Adults With Asd

Background A strong primary care system is vital to overall health. Research on the primary care of people with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) has mostly focused on children. A synthesis of the existing literature related to the quality of primary care for the adult population with ASD would elucidate what is known about the topic as well as inform future research and clinical practice. Objective The purpose of our scoping review is to describe what is known about the quality of primary care for adults with ASD and identify knowledge gaps. Methods Prior to beginning the literature search, we reviewed literature related to defining both primary care and primary care quality to establish the context and concept of the research question. The search strategy was designed and executed by a research librarian. The MEDLINE, CINAHL, EMBASE, PsycINFO, and ProQuest Dissertations and Theses databases were searched for relevant literature. Grey literature will include relevant reports from government websites and associations with a focus on ASD. Two members of the research team will independently screen the academic and grey literature. Quantitative, qualitative, or mixed methods study designs involving the quality of primary care services or patient-centered care for adults with ASD are eligible for inclusion in our scoping review. Studies that make it past the full-text review will undergo data extraction and quality appraisal by 2 independent reviewers. The data extraction results will be presented in a tabular format to clearly present what is known about the quality of primary care for adults with ASD; this table will be accompanied by a narrative synthesis. Literature selected for extraction will be coded for themes, which will form the basis of a thematic synthesis. The scoping review will follow the guidance proposed by the Joanna Briggs Institute. Results The search of electronic databases was conducted in October 2020, and it returned 2820 results. This research is still in progress. The results from our scoping review are expected to be available by fall 2021. Conclusions The results from our scoping review will be useful for guiding future research on the quality of primary care for adults with ASD. International Registered Report Identifier (IRRID) PRR1-10.2196/28196

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Measuring frailty in younger populations: a rapid review of evidence

BMJ Open ◽

10.1136/bmjopen-2020-047051 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 11 (3) ◽

pp. e047051

Author(s):

Gemma F Spiers ◽

Tafadzwa Patience Kunonga ◽

Alex Hall ◽

Fiona Beyer ◽

Elisabeth Boulton ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Patient Outcomes ◽

Predictive Validity ◽

Data Extraction ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Frailty Index ◽

Study Data ◽

Rapid Review ◽

Eligibility Criteria ◽

Adult Age ◽

The Impact

ObjectivesFrailty is typically assessed in older populations. Identifying frailty in adults aged under 60 years may also have value, if it supports the delivery of timely care. We sought to identify how frailty is measured in younger populations, including evidence of the impact on patient outcomes and care.DesignA rapid review of primary studies was conducted.Data sourcesFour databases, three sources of grey literature and reference lists of systematic reviews were searched in March 2020.Eligibility criteriaEligible studies measured frailty in populations aged under 60 years using experimental or observational designs, published after 2000 in English.Data extraction and synthesisRecords were screened against review criteria. Study data were extracted with 20% of records checked for accuracy by a second researcher. Data were synthesised using a narrative approach.ResultsWe identified 268 studies that measured frailty in samples that included people aged under 60 years. Of these, 85 studies reported evidence about measure validity. No measures were identified that were designed and validated to identify frailty exclusively in younger groups. However, in populations that included people aged over and under 60 years, cumulative deficit frailty indices, phenotype measures, the FRAIL Scale, the Liver Frailty Index and the Short Physical Performance Battery all demonstrated predictive validity for mortality and/or hospital admission. Evidence of criterion validity was rare. The extent to which measures possess validity across the younger adult age (18–59 years) spectrum was unclear. There was no evidence about the impact of measuring frailty in younger populations on patient outcomes and care.ConclusionsLimited evidence suggests that frailty measures have predictive validity in younger populations. Further research is needed to clarify the validity of measures across the adult age spectrum, and explore the utility of measuring frailty in younger groups.

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A scoping review of registry captured indicators for evaluating quality of critical care in ICU

Journal of Intensive Care ◽

10.1186/s40560-021-00556-6 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 9 (1) ◽

Author(s):

Issrah Jawad ◽

Sumayyah Rashan ◽

Chathurani Sigera ◽

Jorge Salluh ◽

Arjen M. Dondorp ◽

...

Keyword(s):

Critical Care ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Health Care Quality ◽

Grey Literature ◽

Healthcare Providers ◽

Evidence Base ◽

Patient Reported Outcome ◽

Care Quality ◽

Patient Reported

Abstract Background Excess morbidity and mortality following critical illness is increasingly attributed to potentially avoidable complications occurring as a result of complex ICU management (Berenholtz et al., J Crit Care 17:1-2, 2002; De Vos et al., J Crit Care 22:267-74, 2007; Zimmerman J Crit Care 1:12-5, 2002). Routine measurement of quality indicators (QIs) through an Electronic Health Record (EHR) or registries are increasingly used to benchmark care and evaluate improvement interventions. However, existing indicators of quality for intensive care are derived almost exclusively from relatively narrow subsets of ICU patients from high-income healthcare systems. The aim of this scoping review is to systematically review the literature on QIs for evaluating critical care, identify QIs, map their definitions, evidence base, and describe the variances in measurement, and both the reported advantages and challenges of implementation. Method We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, and the Cochrane libraries from the earliest available date through to January 2019. To increase the sensitivity of the search, grey literature and reference lists were reviewed. Minimum inclusion criteria were a description of one or more QIs designed to evaluate care for patients in ICU captured through a registry platform or EHR adapted for quality of care surveillance. Results The search identified 4780 citations. Review of abstracts led to retrieval of 276 full-text articles, of which 123 articles were accepted. Fifty-one unique QIs in ICU were classified using the three components of health care quality proposed by the High Quality Health Systems (HQSS) framework. Adverse events including hospital acquired infections (13.7%), hospital processes (54.9%), and outcomes (31.4%) were the most common QIs identified. Patient reported outcome QIs accounted for less than 6%. Barriers to the implementation of QIs were described in 35.7% of articles and divided into operational barriers (51%) and acceptability barriers (49%). Conclusions Despite the complexity and risk associated with ICU care, there are only a small number of operational indicators used. Future selection of QIs would benefit from a stakeholder-driven approach, whereby the values of patients and communities and the priorities for actionable improvement as perceived by healthcare providers are prioritized and include greater focus on measuring discriminable processes of care.

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Assessing Time of Eating in Commensality Research

International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health ◽

10.3390/ijerph18062941 ◽

2021 ◽

Vol 18 (6) ◽

pp. 2941

Author(s):

Henrik Scander ◽

Maria Lennernäs Wiklund ◽

Agneta Yngve

Keyword(s):

Quality Of Life ◽

Systematic Reviews ◽

Time Use ◽

Scoping Review ◽

Search Term ◽

Working Population ◽

Nutritional Health ◽

The Family ◽

Use Studies

Commensal meals seem to be related to a better nutritional and metabolic health as well as an improved quality of life. The aim of this paper was to examine to what extent research was performed using the search term commensality related to assessment of timing of meals. A scoping review was performed, where 10 papers were identified as specifically addressing the assessment of timing of commensality of meals. Time use studies, questionnaires, and telephone- and person-to-person interviews were used for assessing meal times in relation to commensality. Four of the studies used a method of time use registration, and six papers used interviews or questionnaires. Common meals with family members were the most common, and dinners late at night were often preferred for commensal activities among the working population. In conclusion, the family meal seemed to be the most important commensal meal. It is clear from the collected papers and from previous systematic reviews that more studies of commensal meals in general and about timing aspects in particular and in relation to nutritional health are essential to provide a solid background of knowledge regarding the importance of timing in relation to commensal meals.

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