Large scoping reviews: managing volume and potential chaos in a pool of evidence sources.

Scoping reviews can identify a large number of evidence sources. This commentary describes and provides guidance on planning, conducting, and reporting large scoping reviews. This guidance is informed by experts in scoping review methodology, including JBI (formerly Joanna Briggs Institute) Scoping Review Methodology group members, who have also conducted and reported large scoping reviews. We propose a working definition for large scoping reviews that includes approximately 100 sources of evidence but must also consider the volume of data to be extracted, the complexity of the analyses, and purpose. We pose 6 core questions for scoping review authors to consider when planning, developing, conducting, and reporting large scoping reviews. By considering and addressing these questions, scoping review authors might better streamline and manage the conduct and reporting of large scoping reviews from the planning to publishing stage.

Investigating Scottish Long COVID community rehabilitation service models from the perspectives of people living with Long COVID and healthcare professionals: a qualitative descriptive study.

OBJECTIVES: This study aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of barriers and facilitators to accessing Long COVID community rehabilitation. DESIGN: We used a qualitative descriptive design over two rounds of data collection with three participant groups: (1) people with experience of rehabilitation for Long COVID (PwLC); (2) National Health Service (NHS) staff delivering and/or managing community rehabilitation services (allied health professionals (AHPs)) and (3) NHS staff involved in strategic planning around Long COVID in their health board (Long COVID leads). SETTING: Four NHS Scotland territorial health boards. PARTICIPANTS: 51 interviews: eight Long COVID leads (11 interviews); 15 AHPs (25 interviews) and 15 PwLC (15 interviews). RESULTS: Three key themes were identified: (1) accessing care for PwLC, (2) understanding Long COVID and its management and (3) strengths and limitations of existing Long COVID rehabilitation services. CONCLUSIONS: Organisational delivery of Long COVID community rehabilitation is complex and presents multiple challenges. In addition, access to Long COVID community rehabilitation can be challenging. When accessed, these services are valued by PwLC but require adequate planning, publicity and resource. The findings presented here can be used by those developing and delivering services for people with Long COVID.

Exercise therapy for tendinopathy: a mixed-methods evidence synthesis exploring feasibility, acceptability and effectiveness.

Background: Tendinopathy is a common, painful and functionally limiting condition, primarily managed conservatively using exercise therapy. Review questions: (i) What exercise interventions have been reported in the literature for which tendinopathies? (ii) What outcomes have been reported in studies investigating exercise interventions for tendinopathy? (iii) Which exercise interventions are most effective across all tendinopathies? (iv) Does type/location of tendinopathy or other specific covariates affect which are the most effective exercise therapies? (v) How feasible and acceptable are exercise interventions for tendinopathies? Methods: A scoping review mapped exercise interventions for tendinopathies and outcomes reported to date (questions i and ii). Thereafter, two contingent systematic review workstreams were conducted. The first investigated a large number of studies and was split into three efficacy reviews that quantified and compared efficacy across different interventions (question iii), and investigated the influence of a range of potential moderators (question iv). The second was a convergent segregated mixed-method review (question v). Searches for studies published from 1998 were conducted in library databases (n = 9), trial registries (n = 6), grey literature databases (n = 5) and Google Scholar. Scoping review searches were completed on 28 April 2020 with efficacy and mixed-method search updates conducted on 19 January 2021 and 29 March 2021. Results: Scoping review - 555 included studies identified a range of exercise interventions and outcomes across a range of tendinopathies, most commonly Achilles, patellar, lateral elbow and rotator cuff-related shoulder pain. Strengthening exercise was most common, with flexibility exercise used primarily in the upper limb. Disability was the most common outcome measured in Achilles, patellar and rotator cuff-related shoulder pain; physical function capacity was most common in lateral elbow tendinopathy. Efficacy reviews - 204 studies provided evidence that exercise therapy is safe and beneficial, and that patients are generally satisfied with treatment outcome and perceive the improvement to be substantial. In the context of generally low and very low-quality evidence, results identified that: (1) the shoulder may benefit more from flexibility (effect sizeResistance:Flexibility = 0.18 [95% CrI 0.07 to 0.29]) and proprioception (effect sizeResistance:Proprioception = 0.16 [95% CrI -1.8 to 0.32]); (2) when performing strengthening exercise it may be most beneficial to combine concentric and eccentric modes (effect sizeEccentricOnly:Concentric+Eccentric = 0.48 [95% CrI -0.13 to 1.1]; and (3) exercise may be most beneficial when combined with another conservative modality (e.g. injection or electro-therapy increasing effect size by ≈0.1 to 0.3). Mixed-method review - 94 studies (11 qualitative) provided evidence that exercise interventions for tendinopathy can largely be considered feasible and acceptable, and that several important factors should be considered when prescribing exercise for tendinopathy, including an awareness of potential barriers to and facilitators of engaging with exercise, patients' and providers' prior experience and beliefs, and the importance of patient education, self-management and the patient-healthcare professional relationship. Limitations: Despite a large body of literature on exercise for tendinopathy, there are methodological and reporting limitations that influenced the recommendations that could be made. Conclusion: The findings provide some support for the use of exercise combined with another conservative modality; flexibility and proprioception exercise for the shoulder; and a combination of eccentric and concentric strengthening exercise across tendinopathies. However, the findings must be interpreted within the context of the quality of the available evidence. Future work: There is an urgent need for high-quality efficacy, effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and qualitative research that is adequately reported, using common terminology, definitions and outcomes. Study registration: This project is registered as DOI: 10.11124/JBIES-20-00175 (scoping review); PROSPERO CRD 42020168187 (efficacy reviews); https://osf.io/preprints/sportrxiv/y7sk6/ (efficacy review 1); https://osf.io/preprints/sportrxiv/eyxgk/ (efficacy review 2); https://osf.io/preprints/sportrxiv/mx5pv/ (efficacy review 3); PROSPERO CRD42020164641 (mixed-method review). Funding: This project was funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) HTA programme and will be published in full in HTA Journal; Vol. 27, No. 24. See the NIHR Journals Library website for further project information.

Tendons are cords of strong, flexible tissue that attach muscles to bones, allowing joints to move. Tendinopathy is a common condition that can affect any tendon in the body, causing pain and limiting function. Exercise is often used to treat tendinopathy. We examined over 500 research papers on exercise for tendinopathy. The most common tendons to be studied were the calf (Achilles), knee (patellar), elbow and shoulder. Strengthening exercise was studied most often, especially in lower-limb tendinopathy. Other types of exercise such as stretching, balance and aerobic activity were less common, but were used to some extent in the upper and lower limbs. We found that exercise therapy is safe and beneficial for the tendinopathies that have been studied to date. Exercise may be most beneficial when combined with another intervention such as injection or electro-therapy. Strengthening exercise may be most beneficial for lower-limb tendinopathies. However, more research is needed on the type of strengthening and the dosage, such as how many exercises and how much resistance to use. Shoulder tendinopathies may benefit from exercise that targets joint flexibility and position more than strengthening. We also found that people who receive exercise therapy for tendinopathy are generally satisfied with the effect it has on their symptoms. Finally, we found that an individualised, person-centred approach to delivering exercise therapy is valued by people with tendinopathy. They also believe that the patient-healthcare provider relationship is important for promoting the confidence and motivation people need to continue with exercise programmes, especially when they complete them independently. Although we examined a lot of papers, many of the studies were low quality. This means there is still a need for high-quality studies to tell us how effective specific types of exercise are for specific tendinopathies. There is also a need for more studies on patients' and professionals' experiences of receiving or providing exercise for tendinopathy.

Effect of resistance exercise dose components for tendinopathy management: a systematic review with meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE: To investigate potential moderating effects of resistance exercise dose components including intensity, volume and frequency, for the management of common tendinopathies. DESIGN: Systematic review with meta-analysis and meta-regressions. DATA SOURCES: Including but not limited to: MEDLINE, CINAHL, SPORTDiscus, ClinicalTrials.gov and ISRCTN Registry. ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR SELECTING STUDIES: Randomised and non-randomised controlled trials investigating resistance exercise as the dominant treatment class, reporting sufficient information regarding ≥2 components of exercise dose. RESULTS: A total of 110 studies were included in meta-analyses (148 treatment arms (TAs), 3953 participants), reporting on five tendinopathy locations (rotator cuff: 48 TAs; Achilles: 43 TAs; lateral elbow: 29 TAs; patellar: 24 TAs; gluteal: 4 TAs). Meta-regressions provided consistent evidence of greater pooled mean effect sizes for higher intensity therapies comprising additional external resistance compared with body mass only (large effect size domains: ß BodyMass: External = 0.50 (95% credible interval (CrI): 0.15 to 0.84; p=0.998); small effect size domains (ß BodyMass: External = 0.04 (95% CrI: -0.21 to 0.31; p=0.619)) when combined across tendinopathy locations or analysed separately. Greater pooled mean effect sizes were also identified for the lowest frequency (less than daily) compared with mid (daily) and high frequencies (more than once per day) for both effect size domains when combined or analysed separately (p≥0.976). Evidence for associations between training volume and pooled mean effect sizes was minimal and inconsistent. SUMMARY/CONCLUSION: Resistance exercise dose is poorly reported within tendinopathy management literature. However, this large meta-analysis identified some consistent patterns indicating greater efficacy on average with therapies prescribing higher intensities (through inclusion of additional loads) and lower frequencies, potentially creating stronger stimuli and facilitating adequate recovery.

Exploring the Potential of Technology to Promote Exercise Snacking for Older Adults Who Are Prefrail in the Home Setting: User-Centered Design Study.

BACKGROUND: Older adults are at increased risk of falls, injury, and hospitalization. Maintaining or increasing participation in physical activity during older age can prevent some of the age-related declines in physical functioning that contribute to loss of independence and low reported quality of life. Exercise snacking may overcome some commonly cited barriers to exercise and encourage older adults to engage in muscle strength and balance activity, but the best way to deliver and support this novel format remains unknown. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to explore how the novel exercise snacking approach, that is, incorporating short bouts of strength and balance activities into everyday routines, could be supported by technology within a home setting and what types of technologies would be acceptable for older adults who are prefrail. METHODS: Following a user-centered design process, 2 design workshops (study 1) were conducted first to understand older adults' (n=11; aged 69-89 years) attitudes toward technology aimed at supporting exercise snacking at home and to inform the design of 2 prototypes. Next, based on the findings of study 1, an exploratory pilot study (study 2) was conducted over 1 day with 2 prototypes (n=5; aged 69-80 years) at the participants' homes. Participants were interviewed over the telephone afterward about their experience. Transcripts were analyzed using framework analysis. RESULTS: The results showed that the participants were positive toward using technology at home to support exercise snacking, but both exercises and technology would need to be simple and match the participants' everyday routines. Workshop discussions (study 1) led to the design of 2 prototypes using a pressure mat to support resistance and balance exercises. The exploratory pilot study (study 2) participants reported the potential in using smart devices to support exercise snacking, but the design of the initial prototypes influenced the participants' attitudes toward them. It also hampered the acceptability of these initial versions and highlighted the challenges in fitting exercise snacking into everyday life. CONCLUSIONS: Older adults were positive about using technology in their homes to support strength and balance exercise snacking. However, although promising, the initial prototypes require further refinement and optimization before feasibility, acceptability, and efficacy testing. Technologies to support exercise snacking need to be adaptable and personalized to individuals, to ensure that users are snacking on balance and strengthening exercises that are appropriate for them.

What are small, medium and large effect sizes for exercise treatments of tendinopathy? A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Objective: To quantify and describe effect size distributions from exercise therapies across a range of tendinopathies and outcome domains to inform future research and clinical practice through conducting a systematic review with meta-analysis. Design: Systematic review with meta-analysis exploring moderating effects and context-specific small, medium and large thresholds. Eligibility criteria: Randomised and quasi-randomised controlled trials involving any persons with a diagnosis of rotator cuff, lateral elbow, patellar, Achilles or gluteal tendinopathy of any severity or duration. Methods: Common databases, six trial registries and six grey literature databases were searched on 18 January 2021 (PROSPERO: CRD42020168187). Standardised mean difference (SMDpre) effect sizes were used with Bayesian hierarchical meta-analysis models to calculate the 0.25 (small), 0.5 (medium) and 0.75 quantiles (large) and compare pooled means across potential moderators. Risk of bias was assessed with Cochrane's Risk of Bias tool. Results: Data were obtained from 114 studies comprising 171 treatment arms 4104 participants. SMDpre effect sizes were similar across tendinopathies but varied across outcome domains. Greater threshold values were obtained for self-reported measures of pain (small=0.5, medium=0.9 and large=1.4), disability (small=0.6, medium=1.0 and large=1.5) and function (small=0.6, medium=1.1 and large=1.8) and lower threshold values obtained for quality of life (small=-0.2, medium=0.3 and large=0.7) and objective measures of physical function (small=0.2, medium=0.4 and large=0.7). Potential moderating effects of assessment duration, exercise supervision and symptom duration were also identified, with greater pooled mean effect sizes estimated for longer assessment durations, supervised therapies and studies comprising patients with shorter symptom durations. Conclusion: The effect size of exercise on tendinopathy is dependent on the type of outcome measure assessed. Threshold values presented here can be used to guide interpretation and assist with further research better establishing minimal important change.

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

Scoping reviewers often face challenges in the extraction, analysis, and presentation of scoping review results. Using best-practice examples and drawing on the expertise of the JBI Scoping Review Methodology Group and an editor of a journal that publishes scoping reviews, this paper expands on existing JBI scoping review guidance. The aim of this article is to clarify the process of extracting data from different sources of evidence; discuss what data should be extracted (and what should not); outline how to analyze extracted data, including an explanation of basic qualitative content analysis; and offer suggestions for the presentation of results in scoping reviews.

The role of scoping reviews in reducing research waste.

OBJECTIVES: Scoping reviews and evidence map methodologies are increasingly being used by researchers. The objective of this article is to examine how scoping reviews can reduce research waste. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: This article summarizes the key issues facing the research community regarding research waste and how scoping reviews can make an important contribution to the reduction of research waste in both primary and secondary research. RESULTS: The problem of research waste is an enduring challenge for global health, leading to a waste of human and financial resources and producing research outputs that do not provide answers to the most pressing research questions. Research waste occurs within primary research but also in secondary research such as evidence syntheses. The focus of scoping reviews on characterizing the nature of existing evidence on a topic and including all types of evidence, potentially reduces research waste in five ways: (1) identifying key research gaps on a topic, (2) determining appropriate outcome measures, (3) mapping existing methodological approaches, (4) developing a consistent understanding of terms and concepts used in existing evidence, and (5) ensuring scoping reviews do not exacerbate the issue of research waste. CONCLUSION: To ensure that scoping reviews do not themselves end up contributing to research waste, it is important to register the scoping review and to ensure that international reporting standards and methodological guidance are followed.

Moving from consultation to co-creation with knowledge users in scoping reviews: guidance from the JBI Scoping Review Methodology Group.

ABSTRACT: Knowledge user consultation is often limited or omitted in the conduct of scoping reviews. Not including knowledge users within the conduct and reporting of scoping reviews could be due to a lack of guidance or understanding about what consultation requires and the subsequent benefits. Knowledge user engagement in evidence synthesis, including consultation approaches, has many associated benefits, including improved relevance of the research and better dissemination and implementation of research findings. Scoping reviews, however, have not been specifically focused on in terms of research into knowledge user consultation and evidence syntheses. In this paper, we will present JBI's guidance for knowledge user engagement in scoping reviews based on the expert opinion of the JBI Scoping Review Methodology Group. We offer specific guidance on how this can occur and provide information regarding how to report and evaluate knowledge user engagement within scoping reviews. We believe that scoping review authors should embed knowledge user engagement into all scoping reviews and strive towards a co-creation model.

What are scoping reviews? Providing a formal definition of scoping reviews as a type of evidence synthesis.

ABSTRACT: Evidence synthesis encompasses a broad range of review types, and scoping reviews are an increasingly popular approach to synthesizing evidence in a number of fields. They sit alongside other evidence synthesis methodologies, such as systematic reviews, qualitative evidence synthesis, realist synthesis, and many more. Until now, scoping reviews have been variously defined in the literature. In this article, we provide the following formal definition for scoping reviews: Scoping reviews are a type of evidence synthesis that aims to systematically identify and map the breadth of evidence available on a particular topic, field, concept, or issue, often irrespective of source (ie, primary research, reviews, non-empirical evidence) within or across particular contexts. Scoping reviews can clarify key concepts/definitions in the literature and identify key characteristics or factors related to a concept, including those related to methodological research.

Methodological quality, guidance, and tools in scoping reviews: a scoping review protocol.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this scoping review is to identify and report on evidence (such as guidance) or tools regarding methodological quality or risk of bias of scoping reviews. INTRODUCTION: Scoping reviews have gained popularity in recent years but have been criticized for variations in their approaches. This scoping review will examine evidence on the methodological quality of scoping reviews. It will also identify and describe potential methods to inform the development of a tool for appraising the methodological quality of scoping reviews. INCLUSION CRITERIA: This review will consider all documents reporting on the development, evaluation, or use of tools addressing the critical appraisal or risk of bias of scoping reviews. The search will seek evidence published from 2005 onwards, corresponding with the publication of Arksey and O'Malley's framework for scoping reviews. METHODS: A three-step search strategy will be used to locate both published and unpublished documents. An initial search of MEDLINE identified keywords and MeSH terms. A second search of MEDLINE, Embase, and CINAHL will follow. Google and Google Scholar will be searched for difficult-to-locate and unpublished literature. The authors will use their professional networks, social media accounts, and professional newsletters to contact methodologists to obtain any additional materials. Documents will be independently screened, selected, and extracted by two researchers, and the data will be presented in tables.

Health technologies for the prevention and detection of falls in adult hospital inpatients: a scoping review.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this scoping review was to examine and map the evidence relating to the reporting and evaluation of technologies for the prevention and detection of falls in adult hospital inpatients. INTRODUCTION: Falls are a common cause of accidental injury, leading to significant safety issues in hospitals globally, and resulting in substantial human and economic costs. Previous research has focused on community settings with less emphasis on hospital settings. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Participants included adult inpatients, aged 18 years and over; the concept included the use of fall-prevention or fall-detection technologies; the context included any hospital ward setting. METHODS: This scoping review was conducted according to JBI methodology for scoping reviews, guided by an a priori protocol. A wide selection of databases including MEDLINE, CINAHL, AMED, Embase, PEDro, Epistimonikos, and Science Direct were searched for records from inception to October 2019. Other sources included gray literature, trial registers, government health department websites, and websites of professional bodies. Only studies in the English language were included. A three-step search strategy was employed, with all records exported for subsequent title and abstract screening prior to full-text screening. Screening was performed by two independent reviewers and data extraction by one reviewer following agreement checks. Data are presented in narrative and tabular form. RESULTS: Over 13,000 records were identified with 404 included in the scoping review: 336 reported on fall-prevention technologies, 51 targeted detection, and 17 concerned both. The largest contributions of studies came from the USA (n=185), Australia (n=65), the UK (n=36), and Canada (n=18). There was a variety of study designs including 77 prospective cohort studies, 33 before-after studies, and 35 systematic reviews; however, relatively few randomized controlled trials were conducted (n = 25). The majority of records reported on multifactorial and multicomponent technologies (n = 178), followed by fall detection devices (n = 86). Few studies reported on the following interventions in isolation: fall risk assessment (n = 6), environment design (n = 8), sitters (n = 5), rounding (n = 3), exercise (n = 3), medical/pharmaceutical (n = 2), physiotherapy (n = 1), and nutritional (n = 1). The majority (57%) of studies reported clinical effectiveness outcomes, with smaller numbers (14%) reporting feasibility and/or acceptability outcomes, or cost-effectiveness outcomes (5%). CONCLUSIONS: This review has mapped the literature on fall-prevention and fall-detection technology and outcomes for adults in the hospital setting. Despite the volume of available literature, there remains a need for further high-quality research on fall-prevention and fall-detection technologies.

A collaborative approach to exercise provision for people with Parkinson's - a feasibility and acceptability study of the PDConnect programme [version 2; peer review: 2 approved].

BACKGROUND: Exercise has been shown to be beneficial for people with Parkinson's (PwP), slowing the rate of decline of motor and nonmotor symptoms, with emerging evidence associating exercise with a neuroprotective effect. Current exercise provision is time-limited, and delivered in the absence of strategies to support long-term adherence to exercise. With a growing Parkinson's population, there is a need to develop long-term sustainable approaches to exercise delivery. The primary aim of this study is to assess the feasibility and acceptability of a multicomponent intervention (PDConnect) aimed at promoting physical activity, and self-management for PwP. METHODS: A convergent fixed parallel mixed methods design study will be undertaken. The study aims to recruit 30 PwP, who will be randomly allocated into two groups: (i) the usual care group will receive physiotherapy once a week for six weeks delivered via Microsoft Teams. (ii) The PDConnect group will receive physiotherapy once a week for six weeks which combines exercise, education and behaviour change interventions delivered by NHS Parkinson's specialist physiotherapists via Microsoft Teams. This will be followed by 12 weekly sessions of group exercise delivered on Microsoft Teams by fitness instructors specially trained in Parkinson's. Participants will be then contacted by the fitness instructors once per month for three months by video conferencing to support exercise engagement. Primary feasibility data will be collected during the study, with acceptability assessed via semi-structured interviews at the end. Secondary outcomes encompassing motor, non-motor and health and well-being measures will be assessed at baseline, at six, 18, and 30 weeks. DISCUSSION: This pilot study will establish whether PDConnect is feasible and acceptable to PwP. This will provide a platform for a larger evaluation to assess the effectiveness of PDConnect at increasing exercise participation and self-management within the Parkinson's Community. TRIAL REGISTRATION: Registered on ISRCTN (ISRCTN11672329, 4th June 2020).

Exercise therapy for the treatment of tendinopathies: a scoping review protocol.

OBJECTIVE: The aim of the review is to provide a map of exercise interventions and outcomes that have been reported for the treatment of any tendinopathy. INTRODUCTION: Tendinopathy is a common condition that affects athletic and non-athletic populations. Exercise is the mainstay of conservative management of tendinopathy, and a range of different exercise types are recommended. There is a significant body of literature on exercise for tendinopathy, but to date no scoping review has provided a clear map of interventions used and outcomes reported in the literature. INCLUSION CRITERIA: We will include people of any age or gender with a diagnosis of tendinopathy of any severity or duration at any anatomical location. We will exclude full-thickness/massive tears and plantar fasciitis. The exercise therapy may take place at any location, including hospital, community, or people's homes, and may be supervised or unsupervised. We will include systematic reviews, quantitative, qualitative, and mixed-methods studies conducted in any developed nation. METHODS: We will search MEDLINE, CINAHL, AMED, Embase, SPORTDiscus, Cochrane CENTRAL, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, JBI Evidence Synthesis, Epistemonikos, four trial registries, and six gray literature databases. We will use Scopus to search for cited/citing articles from included studies and will perform hand searching where relevant. We will include literature from 1998 to 2020 in any language for which we can access translation. Studies will be screened by two independent reviewers at title/abstract and full-text screening stages; a third reviewer will resolve conflicts. Data will be extracted into a bespoke charting form and will be presented as figures/tables with accompanying narrative.

Undertaking a scoping review: A practical guide for nursing and midwifery students, clinicians, researchers, and academics.

AIM: The aim of this study is to discuss the available methodological resources and best-practice guidelines for the development and completion of scoping reviews relevant to nursing and midwifery policy, practice, and research. DESIGN: Discussion Paper. DATA SOURCES: Scoping reviews that exemplify best practice are explored with reference to the recently updated JBI scoping review guide (2020) and the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses Scoping Review extension (PRISMA-ScR). IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING AND MIDWIFERY: Scoping reviews are an increasingly common form of evidence synthesis. They are used to address broad research questions and to map evidence from a variety of sources. Scoping reviews are a useful form of evidence synthesis for those in nursing and midwifery and present opportunities for researchers to review a broad array of evidence and resources. However, scoping reviews still need to be conducted with rigour and transparency. CONCLUSION: This study provides guidance and advice for researchers and clinicians who are preparing to undertake an evidence synthesis and are considering a scoping review methodology in the field of nursing and midwifery. IMPACT: With the increasing popularity of scoping reviews, criticism of the rigour, transparency, and appropriateness of the methodology have been raised across multiple academic and clinical disciplines, including nursing and midwifery. This discussion paper provides a unique contribution by discussing each component of a scoping review, including: developing research questions and objectives; protocol development; developing eligibility criteria and the planned search approach; searching and selecting the evidence; extracting and analysing evidence; presenting results; and summarizing the evidence specifically for the fields of nursing and midwifery. Considerations for when to select this methodology and how to prepare a review for publication are also discussed. This approach is applied to the disciplines of nursing and midwifery to assist nursing and/or midwifery students, clinicians, researchers, and academics.

Updated methodological guidance for the conduct of scoping reviews.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this paper is to describe the updated methodological guidance for conducting a JBI scoping review, with a focus on new updates to the approach and development of the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses extension for Scoping Reviews (the PRISMA-ScR). INTRODUCTION: Scoping reviews are an increasingly common approach to informing decision-making and research based on the identification and examination of the literature on a given topic or issue. Scoping reviews draw on evidence from any research methodology and may also include evidence from non-research sources, such as policy. In this manner, scoping reviews provide a comprehensive overview to address broader review questions than traditionally more specific systematic reviews of effectiveness or qualitative evidence. The increasing popularity of scoping reviews has been accompanied by the development of a reporting guideline: the PRISMA-ScR. In 2014, the JBI Scoping Review Methodology Group developed guidance for scoping reviews that received minor updates in 2017 and was most recently updated in 2020. The updates reflect ongoing and substantial developments in approaches to scoping review conduct and reporting. As such, the JBI Scoping Review Methodology Group recognized the need to revise the guidance to align with the current state of knowledge and reporting standards in evidence synthesis. METHODS: Between 2015 and 2020, the JBI Scoping Review Methodology Group expanded its membership; extensively reviewed the literature; engaged via annual face-to-face meetings, regular teleconferences, and email correspondence; sought advice from methodological experts; facilitated workshops; and presented at scientific conferences. This process led to updated guidance for scoping reviews published in the JBI Manual for Evidence Synthesis. The updated chapter was endorsed by JBI's International Scientific Committee in 2020. RESULTS: The updated JBI guidance for scoping reviews includes additional guidance on several methodological issues, such as when a scoping review is (or is not) appropriate, and how to extract, analyze, and present results, and provides clarification for implications for practice and research. Furthermore, it is aligned with the PRISMA-ScR to ensure consistent reporting. CONCLUSIONS: The latest JBI guidance for scoping reviews provides up-to-date guidance that can be used by authors when conducting a scoping review. Furthermore, it aligns with the PRISMA-ScR, which can be used to report the conduct of a scoping review. A series of ongoing and future methodological projects identified by the JBI Scoping Review Methodology Group to further refine the methodology are planned.

Effectiveness of combined shockwave therapy and plantar fascia stretching interventions in treating plantar heel pain: a systematic review and meta-analysis protocol.

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this review is to synthesize the best available evidence on the effectiveness of interventions that have used a combination of extracorporeal shockwave therapy and plantar fascia-specific stretching to treat plantar heel pain compared to any other non-surgical intervention. INTRODUCTION: Recent evidence suggests combining shockwave therapy and plantar fascia stretching may be more effective than other treatments for plantar heel pain. However, no systematic reviews have been conducted on the topic and optimal treatment protocols and clinical recommendations are lacking. INCLUSION CRITERIA: Randomized controlled trials assessing the effectiveness of combined shockwave therapy and plantar stretching for plantar heel pain in adults will be included. METHODS: The authors will search a wide range of sources to identify both published and unpublished studies via EBSCOhost, including, but not limited to MEDLINE, SPORTDiscus, CINAHL, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), and Allied and Complementary Medicine Database (AMED). Studies published in a language other than English will only be considered if a translation is available. The JBI systematic review methodology will be followed when conducting the review. Data synthesis will be conducted using meta-analysis or narrative synthesis, where appropriate. SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION NUMBER: PROSPERO CRD42020171538.

Conducting high quality scoping reviews-challenges and solutions.

OBJECTIVES: Scoping reviews are being increasingly used by researchers. The objective of this article was to outline some challenges and potential solutions to improve the conduct and reporting of scoping reviews. STUDY DESIGN AND SETTING: The JBI scoping review methodology group consists of 9 experts in the field of scoping reviews. This article summarizes the key issues facing reviewers who conduct scoping reviews and those who use the results from scoping reviews and may engage in consultations during their development. RESULTS: Several key issues have been identified for reviewers as challenges in conducting scoping reviews. Challenges may be faced throughout the conduct of the review, from developing the a priori protocol to finalizing the review report for publication and developing implications or recommendations for research, policy, and practice from the results of the review. Challenges to publishing scoping reviews may stem from a lack of understanding of scoping reviews by journal editors, authors, and peer reviewers to extending the conclusion drawn from these reviews to generate recommendations for practice and policy. CONCLUSION: By identifying and overcoming challenges to the conduct and reporting of scoping reviews, reviewers may better ensure that scoping reviews are effective in meeting the objectives of scoping reviews.