Protocol for a scoping review to map patient engagement in scoping reviews

Abstract

Background Scoping reviews of health research are increasing in popularity. However, only a minority of scoping reviews in this sector engage patients and caregivers as co-producers of the research. Despite developments in scoping review methodology, which insist that stakeholder consultation is essential, no guiding methods exist to instruct the conduct of this stage. Thus, it is necessary to understand how patients and caregivers have been engaged as part of scoping reviews, toward a unifying methodology. Methods We have developed a protocol for a scoping review of methods used to engage patients and caregivers in scoping reviews of health research. The search strategy will comprise two phases: the first will involve a secondary analysis of retrieved articles from a prior scoping review, and the second will identify articles that cite Levac et al.’s update to the original scoping review framework by Arksey and O’Malley. Titles and full texts of retrieved articles will be screened in duplicate. Inclusion will be limited to articles related to heath research that follow the six-stage scoping review framework by Arksey and O’Malley and that report patient engagement activities during at least one stage. The method of analysis of charted variables will be decided once data have been collected. Two patients will be engaged as collaborators throughout this review. We will also consult with patients, caregivers, and researchers upon completion of preliminary analyses. Discussion We anticipate that our scoping review will provide guidance for researchers seeking to involve health care stakeholders as co-producers of scoping reviews.

Exploring the integration of bite-sized learning: A scoping review of research in education and related disciplines

“…During this phase, the relevant information is organized in a structured manner, which may include graphical representations. This process, commonly referred to as data extraction, is also known as charting the data (Huges et al, 2021;Oravec et al, 2022;Sharma et al, 2022). Data extraction methods vary across different areas of study, as the purpose of extraction is to compile and present the available evidence (Pollock et al, 2021).…”

“…Data extraction methods vary across different areas of study, as the purpose of extraction is to compile and present the available evidence (Pollock et al, 2021). Therefore, we will incorporate data extraction protocols recommended in prior research, such as the year of publication, title, author details, aim/purpose, and study design (Buchanan et al, 2020;Huges et al, 2021;Oravec et al, 2022;Yahaya et al, 2022). Detailed explanation of the extracted data from selected articles will be provide in the subsequent section below.…”